Having struggled to make a mark in earlier matches, Rishad announced his arrival on the big stage, dismantling the Caribbean batting lineup and leading Bangladesh to a convincing 74-run victory.
Before the first ODI against the West Indies, Rishad had played 11 matches in this format without ever taking three wickets in a game. But that changed dramatically in Mirpur, as the young leggie claimed a stunning six-wicket haul to etch his name into the record books.
While the West Indies camp raised concerns over Mirpur’s pitch conditions, Rishad dismissed such complaints, recalling that Bangladesh had previously played on much tougher surfaces in Guyana.
“The wicket was the same for both teams, If you remember, in Guyana it was even worse. We adjusted then, and both teams had to do the same here. So, I think it was fair for everyone,” Rishad said at the post-match press conference.
He further added, “We can’t control the wicket. Whatever the surface is, we must adapt and give our best. That’s what we try to do, adjust and perform according to the conditions.”
Rishad’s six-for made him the first Bangladeshi right-arm spinner to claim a five-wicket haul in ODIs. His spell dismantled the Caribbean batting order, reducing them to 92 for 5, all five wickets falling to Rishad himself.
