What began as an ordinary afternoon at Mirpur turned into an unforgettable showcase of youthful brilliance.
Bangladesh, defending a modest 207, stunned the cricketing world as 21-year-old leg-spinner Rishad Hossain spun a web so tight that the West Indies could never break free.
His breathtaking six-wicket haul — the best of his career — not only sealed a 74-run victory but also heralded the arrival of a new star in Bangladesh cricket.
The visitors started their chase with quiet confidence. Openers Brandon King and Alick Athanaze batted with composure, putting on a solid 51-run partnership. But just as the pair began to look comfortable, Rishad struck with venom. A beautifully flighted delivery trapped Athanaze lbw for 27, and soon after, he lured Kacey Carty (9) into a mistimed shot. The Mirpur crowd came alive, chanting Rishad’s name — a name that would echo through the evening.
In the 22nd over, the match turned decisively. Rishad dismissed both Brandon King (44 off 66) and Sherfane Rutherford (0) in a span of just four balls. His control, confidence, and variety — flight, drift, and sudden turn — left the Caribbean batters guessing and gasping. By the time Roston Chase (6) edged one to slip, Bangladesh were in full command, and Rishad had completed his first five-wicket haul in international cricket.
The West Indies’ middle order crumbled like a sandcastle in the tide. Captain Shai Hope, usually their anchor, fought briefly for 15 before being undone by Tanvir Islam, while Mehedi Hasan Miraz trapped Gudakesh Motie (3) to clean up the tail. From 79 for 1, the West Indies collapsed to 133 all out in 39 overs.
Rishad’s final figures — 6 for 35 in 9 overs — were nothing short of extraordinary. He bowled with maturity far beyond his years, using clever variations in pace and flight to dismantle an experienced batting line-up. Supporting him, Mustafizur Rahman chipped in with two wickets, while Miraz and Tanvir took one apiece.
Earlier, Bangladesh’s innings was a struggle against disciplined bowling and a slow pitch that offered inconsistent bounce. Sent in to bat first, the hosts lost Soumya Sarkar (4) and Saif Hasan (3) cheaply, slumping to 8 for 2. But Nazmul Hossain Shanto (32 off 63) and Towhid Hridoy (51 off 90) steadied the ship with a patient 71-run stand. Their partnership brought calm, though scoring never came easy.
When both fell in quick succession, Bangladesh’s innings wobbled again, but Abhishek Ankon (46 off 76) — playing with the poise of a seasoned campaigner — anchored the lower middle order. Skipper Mehedi Hasan Miraz (17 off 27) offered support, and it was Rishad, fittingly, who applied the final flourish — a quickfire 26 off just 12 balls, including a massive six that sent the crowd into raptures.
The total — 207 all out in 48.5 overs — looked fragile at the break. But what followed was a bowling masterclass that transformed that fragility into ferocity.
For the West Indies, Jayden Seales bowled with fire, taking three wickets, while Roston Chase and Justin Greaves claimed two each. Yet their efforts were overshadowed by one man — Rishad Hossain, who lit up the Mirpur sky with a spell that blended artistry, patience, and pure passion.
When the final wicket fell, teammates surrounded him, and chants of “Rishad! Rishad!” echoed from the stands. Bangladesh had not just won a cricket match — they had discovered a magician in their midst.
As the Tigers celebrated under the fading autumn sun, one thing was clear: Rishad Hossain’s six-for was not just a victory moment — it was a glimpse into the bright, spinning future of Bangladesh cricket.