Rutherford’s maiden ODI century ends WI’s losing streak vs Bangladesh

Sherfane Rutherford’s brilliant maiden ODI century gave West Indies an exciting five-wicket victory over Bangladesh as the hosts chased a formidable 295-run target with 14 balls to spare, to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series at Warner Park in St Kitts, breaking an 11-match losing streak against Bangladesh.

Rutherford smacked 113 off 80 balls with seven fours and eight sixes, changing the game after the home side had a sluggish start and required 161 runs off the final 114 balls.

The Guyanese left-hander reached his milestone in the 47th over and eventually fell for 113. By this time the West Indies needed just seven more runs to seal the contest.

Captain Shai Hope stabilised the innings after West Indies were reduced to 27 for 2, with Brandon King (9) and Evin Lewis (16) falling early .A 67-run stand between Hope and Keacy Carty (21 off 37) steadied the innings. Hope belted 86 off 88 balls and his 99-run fourth-wicket partnership with Rutherford laid the foundation for the chase.

Rutherford then joined Justin Greaves for a quick 95-run partnership, with Greaves remaining unbeaten on 41 off 31 balls.

Earlier, Bangladesh’s innings was anchored by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz who made 74 off 101 deliveries and was caught off Jayden Seales. and opener Tanzid Hasan with 60 off 60 balls before falling to Alzarri Joseph. After losing Soumya Sarkar on 19 and Litton Das on 2 early, the pair added 79 for the third wicket.

The innings gained momentum coming down to the end with a blistering 96-run partnership between Jaker Ali 48 off 40 and Mahmudullah 50 not out off 44. Mahmudullah’s three sixes and Jaker’s powerful hitting, helped Bangladesh add 84 runs in the last 10 overs.

Romario Shepherd was the pick of the bowlers for the regional side with three wickets for 51 runs, along with Joseph who picked up two wickets for 67 runs.