Fantasy Preview: West Indies vs Bangladesh, 3rd ODI, Guyana

Bangladesh have already sealed the series 2-0 but with one ODI still left, they have the opportunity to register their biggest win in West Indies thus far in the 50-over format. Even at home, West Indies have looked at sea more than they would feel at shore. Twice in two games, the hosts have failed to put up a substantial total on board, with just 149 and 108.

In comparison, they have scored more in the T20I series, which talks a lot about the country’s progress in the 50-over format. It is a format where they have struggled in the past as well. So, will Bangladesh continue their dominance, spearheaded by Mehidy Hasan? 

Or will the West Indies batting spring a surprise against the Tigers in the third ODI?

Ground Details

It is the fourth consecutive game at the venue, with the third T20I, first ODI and the second ODI too played at the same venue. All three games have been won by sides batting second, which clearly paint a picture on what the toss-winning captain must do. The average first innings score at the venue has been 231 but teams that need to win batting first must target 258 as a par score.

The last two ODIs at the venue have been on the low-scoring end, with West Indies registering totals of 149 and 108, which were chased with relative ease by Bangladesh. Yet again, spin is expected to play a significant role, with 15 wickets in two games this series. And with the pitches getting slower, it is a no-brainer to pick spinners in your setup.

Suggested TeamWhile you could go for the above team, you also have the option of choosing your team from Cricket.com’s Fantasy Research Centre. You can use this tool to build your team with the help of algorithms. Then, based on your preferences, the platform will guide you through creating the ideal fantasy XI.

Captain and vice-captain suggestions 

For small leagues: Tamim Iqbal (c), Nasum Ahmed (vc)

For Grand leagues: Mehidy Hasan (c), Nicholas Pooran (vc)

Stats that matter

•    14 out of the 24 wickets this series have been picked up by spinners, with only six wickets for the pacers. With conditions deteriorating, expect the third ODI too to be dominated by the spinners. 

•    Bangladesh’s spin twin – Mehidy Hasan and Nasum Ahmed – have ruled the roost in the series, picking up ten wickets in between them. Hasan, in particular has picked up seven wickets, averaging just 9.3 in the series. 

•    Despite spinners getting significant purchase on the surface, Bangladesh’s skipper Tamim Iqbal has shown the way for the batters, scoring 83 runs, topping the run-chart for the ODI series, averaging 83, being dismissed only once. 

•    West Indies’ batting has been horrendous in the series. The Windies’ batters only average 13.5 runs/wicket, losing a wicket every four overs. It would be a foolish risk to back the Windies batters to come good during the third ODI.

Grand League punts

•    Mehidy Hasan has really the differential factor during this three-match ODI series between Bangladesh and West Indies. Thus far, the off-spinner has picked up seven wickets, making him one of the easiest picks for the grand league. 

•    However, since Grand League also can only be won by taking risks, picking Nicholas Pooran could well be something that could set your team apart. While it is true that Pooran has had a terrible recent record in ODIs, players like him can flip the switch with just one innings. The fact that he can play spin well, could tilt the winning point in your favour. 

•    While Shamarh Brooks only could salvage five runs in the second ODI, he could be yet again that one player who could make the difference. Brooks has shown great consistency in the ODI format, averaging 40.62 for the Windies, all at strike-rate of 75.97. 

Here are the Top 10 Criclytics Projections:

Probable XIs

West Indies: Kyle Mayers, Shamarh Brooks, Shai Hope (WK), Brandon King, Nicholas Pooran (C), Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Gudakesh Motie, Anderson Phillip, Jayden Seales

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal (C), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Nurul Hasan (wk), Mehidy Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed