DHAKA, Oct 23, 2025 (BSS)- Openers Soumya Sarkar and Saif Hassan batted 
resolutely to help Bangladesh amass a challenging 296-8 in the third and 
final ODI against West Indies at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium 
today.

But Bangladesh left the ground, knowing that they squandered a golden chance 
to post anything closer to 350-mark in what turned out to be a series-
deciding match.

Soumya struck 86 ball-91 with seven fours and four sixes while Saif who 
registered his maiden 50 was finally dismissed on 80 after playing 72 balls 
and smashing six fours and as many sixes.

Soumya and Saif put on a 176 off just 152 balls in their opening stand after 
Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz won the toss and opted to bat first.

Since their partnership, Bangladesh scored just 120 off the remaining 148 
deliveries, losing eight wickets.
 
Akeal Hosain who scripted West Indies' breathtaking Super Over victory in the 
second game to level the series once again tormented Bangladesh by claiming 
his career-best 4-41. He was ably supported by Alick Athanaze's 2-37.

But they were largely neutralized when Soumya and Saif were batting in a 
pitch that appeared to be better than the previous two matches. The bounce 
was even and balls came to the bat nicely while the spinners got enough turn, 
making it an evenly contested match.

Both Saif and Soumya played their shots at will to make the bowlers disarray 
right from the start.

Saif's maiden fifty came in style off just 44 balls as he smashed Gudakesh 
Motie a boundary through fine leg.

He looked well set to earn his maiden century also but a miss hit against 
Roston Chase cost his wicket finally.

That looked to distract Soumya as he also perished to a big shot, giving 
Akeal his first wicket in the match.

West Indies bowlers then strangled Bangladesh despite the resistance from 
Najmul Hossain Shanto who made 44. 

But Bangladesh, at the same time, were aided by West Indies' sloppy fielding.

Shanto and Towhid Hriody, 28, cashed in on wayward fielding to add further 50 
runs.
 
But Athanze removed both of the set batters in quick succession before Akeal 
claimed three wickets in an over, effectively denying Bangladesh a 300-plus 
total.