Follow UsBangladesh's Rishad Hossain became only the second leg break bowler after Sri Lanka's Jeffrey Vandersay to pick the first five wickets of a side in an ODI game. He achieved this feat against West Indies while defending 207 during the first ODI of the three-match series. Thanks to his six-wicket haul, his best ever figures in international cricket, Bangladesh were able to bowl the visitors out for 133.
But more than Rishad, it was the ‘black’ looking pitch at the Sher-E-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka that took all the limelight, albeit in a negative tone. However, Rishad defended it by saying that the pitch was the same for both sides.
"The [Dhaka] wicket was the same for both teams. We have encountered an even worse pitch in Guyana. We adjusted to those conditions. It was the same for both sides,” ESPNcricinfo quoted Rishad as saying after the match.
"Our batters could read the wicket better. They figured out that if they start slowly, they can finish well with wickets in hand. I think they were just carrying out their plans to the best of their ability,” added the 23-year-old.
Talking about his own bowling, Rishad, who has played 50 T20Is and 12 ODIs, said, "I stuck to my process. I had to adjust in the first couple of overs, but then I could make up quickly. I always try to contribute in all three departments. I believe that Allah will always find me a way to do something for the team.”
Rishad, who also scored 26 off 13 balls, said that he always wants to contribute extra for the team.
"I always try to contribute something extra with the bat for the team. I think if my contribution takes the team from 180 to 210 or 215, that's great. I am aware of what the team is looking for from me as a batter,” he said.
The two teams will go head-to-head once again during the second ODI on the same ground on October 21 (Tuesday).