Follow UsThe West Indies cricket team made history by bowling their full quota of 50 overs entirely with spin bowlers in their second ODI against Bangladesh in Dhaka. This marked the first time in ODI history that a side has used only spinners throughout an entire bowling innings.
Opting out of fast bowlers altogether, West Indies held Bangladesh to 213 for 7 at the end of 50 overs, proving their decision right. The spin‑only tactic proved effective on the slow, turning surface that was full of cracks.
Despite including the pace‑bowling all‑rounder Justin Greaves in the squad, West Indies did not use him in the bowling attack. Instead, they turned to part‑timer Alick Athanaze, who delivered all ten of his overs, conceded only 14 runs and took two wickets. Meanwhile, left‑arm spinner Gudakesh Motie claimed three wickets and emerged as the spearhead of the attack.
Before this, the record for the most overs of spin bowled by a team in an ODI was held by Sri Lanka, who bowled 44 overs of spin against West Indies in Port‑of‑Spain in 1996. Muttiah Muralitharan, Aravinda de Silva, Kumar Dharmasena, Upul Chandana, Sanath Jayasuriya and Hashan Tillakaratne bowled the overs for Sri Lanka, taking seven wickets in a 35‑run triumph.
Most Overs Of Spin Bowled By A Team In ODIs
50 - West Indies vs Bangladesh, 2025
44 - Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 1996
44 - Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 1998
44 - Sri Lanka vs Australia, 2004
43 - Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 1995