Across both matches, he was Bangladesh’s most dominant batter against the West Indian bowlers. Yet, in a surprising move, Bangladesh did not send him out in the Super Over, a decision that left the Caribbean camp baffled.
West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein admitted after the match that Rishad’s absence made things much easier for them.
Having arrived at the team hotel at 4 a.m. and taking the field again later that afternoon, Akeal emerged as the hero of the day. Speaking at the post-match press conference, he expressed genuine surprise at not seeing Rishad in the Super Over.
“Yes, I was surprised (not seeing Rishad),” Akeal said. “He was the one who was striking the ball the best — 39 off just 14 and unbeaten. And then he’s not in your Super Over lineup, especially on the shorter boundary side where he could’ve cleared the ropes easily. He hit two sixes in the main game too.”
“Of course, we were surprised that he didn’t come out at all. It definitely worked in our favor. He was one of the few batters capable of real power-hitting, and his height made it easier for him to clear the boundary. But they didn’t send him — good for us!” he added with a smile.
The second ODI between Bangladesh and West Indies at Mirpur ended in a tie on Tuesday. In the Super Over, West Indies set a modest target of 10 runs. Bangladesh sent out Saif Hassan, Soumya Sarkar, and Najmul Hossain Shanto to chase.
Despite Akeal Hosein conceding a no-ball and two wides, Bangladesh failed to reach the target. They managed only 9 runs, losing Soumya’s wicket, and fell short by just one run.
With the Super Over win, West Indies leveled the series 1–1. The decisive third ODI will take place on
