The West Indies and Bangladesh are ready to face off in their first ODI of a three-match series on Sunday, December 8, at Warner Park, St. Kitts. The series opener looks to be a close match, as both teams have won 21 games each in their 44 ODI meetings.
Shai Hope leads the home team, which aims to use its home field edge and recover from an up-and-down year in limited-overs cricket. The Tigers will play without their usual captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, who hurt his groin.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz will step up to lead Bangladesh in his place. Both sides enter the series after tying their two-match Test series 1-1. Bangladesh’s recent ODI performance has raised worries—they just lost a 2-1 series to Afghanistan.
The West Indies, while not always steady, have been strong at home and hope to keep that edge in the 50-over format.
Also read: WI vs BAN Match Preview- 1st ODI, Bangladesh tour of West Indies 2024
WI vs BAN Team Analysis
West Indies
Shai Hope will be leading the West Indies team in the 1st WI vs BAN ODI.
Bangladesh
Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be leading Bangladesh in the 1st WI vs BAN ODI.
WI vs BAN Key Factors
Pitch Conditions
Warner Park, Basseterre, should play as a batting-friendly track that will gradually become tougher as the ODI contest unfolds. Early on, the flat surface will offer fantastic conditions for stroke play and support power hitters as they look to amass runs.
However, as the game wears on, the track might start deteriorating slightly, making it harder to time shots.
Spinners and slower bowlers should expect to dominate the play when the match reaches the end. The winning team might elect to bat to start, hoping to enjoy good conditions and post a huge target.
Form and Fitness
Najmul Hossain Shanto will miss this series for Bangladesh due to a groin strain, West Indies will have full players to choose from.
Tactical Acumen
West Indies
West Indies, grappling with injuries to Matthew Forde and Shamar Joseph, have included Super50 standouts Marquino Mindley and Jediah Blades in their bowling unit. While promising, their lack of international exposure could challenge them against Bangladesh’s strong batting.
Key batters Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, and Evin Lewis lead the hosts’ lineup, but their middle order remains inconsistent. Spinner Gudakesh Motie will be crucial on Warner Park’s slow pitches.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh, under Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s leadership, faces their issues, missing stars like Shakib Al Hasan. Litton Das and Tanzid Hasan anchor the top order, while Afif Hossain strengthens the middle.
Taskin Ahmed leads the visitors’ versatile bowling attack, supported by spinners Nasum Ahmed and Mehidy. Taskin’s recent form makes him a vital player in Bangladesh’s bid for success.
WI vs BAN Match Prediction- 1st ODI, Bangladesh tour of West Indies 2024
WI vs BAN Score Prediction
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
| WI | 200-250 | 200-240 |
| BAN | 200-220 | 200-220 |
WI vs BAN Key Players
WI: Shai Hope, Brandon King, Alzarri Joseph, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayden Seales, and Shimron Hetmyer are the key players for the West Indies.
BAN: Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Litton Das, Tanzid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Mahmudullah, and Taskin Ahmed are key players for visitors.
Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score the most runs for WI in the match: Shai Hope or Brandon King
Who will score the most runs for BAN in the match: Mehidy Hasan Miraz or Litton Das
Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for WI in the match: Jayden Seales or Alzarri Joseph
Who will pick the most wickets for BAN in the match: Taskin Ahmed or Nahid Rana
Conclusion – Who will win the match?
With a revamped bowling attack led by Marquino Mindley and Jediah Blades, West Indies have the firepower to challenge Bangladesh.
Key players like Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, and Evin Lewis strengthen the batting lineup, while Gudakesh Motie’s spin will be crucial on Warner Park’s slow pitch.
Despite some inexperience in the bowling unit, West Indies’ balanced side and home advantage make them favorites to win the match.