Sherfane Rutherford leads West Indies to victory over Bangladesh with explosive 113
- Bangladesh batted first, scoring 294 runs in their innings.
- Sherfane Rutherford's explosive 113 runs led West Indies to a successful chase.
- West Indies won the match by five wickets, taking a lead in the ODI series.
On December 8, 2024, in Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis, West Indies faced Bangladesh in the first of three one-day internationals (ODIs). Bangladesh won the toss and elected to bat first, posting a challenging score of 294 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was led by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who top-scored with 74 runs off 101 deliveries. Openers Tanzid Hasan and Jaker Ali also made significant contributions, scoring 60 and 48 runs respectively, helping the team set a competitive target for the West Indies. In response, West Indies started their innings sluggishly, finding themselves at 100 runs for 3 wickets after 23 overs. However, Sherfane Rutherford provided a remarkable turnaround by scoring 113 runs off just 80 balls. His aggressive innings included eight sixes and seven boundaries, showcasing his explosive batting talent. Captain Shai Hope supported him well with his 86 runs off 88 balls, ensuring that West Indies maintained the momentum required to chase down the target. Rutherford's onslaught ultimately paved the way for West Indies to reach a total of 295 runs, winning the match by five wickets with 14 balls remaining. This victory marked a significant moment for the team, particularly after Bangladesh had recently claimed a historic test win in the Caribbean for the first time in 15 years. The match's success was essential not only for the players but also for revitalizing the spirit of West Indies cricket, which has been on a resurgence. The series continues with two more ODIs scheduled at the same venue, and the fans are eager to see how both teams perform in the subsequent matches. The game on December 8 highlighted the importance of individual performances in cricket, as Rutherford's knock played a central role in the West Indies' victory. As the teams gear up for the next fixtures, discussions around player forms, tactical changes, and the series' overall impact on international rankings are likely to take center stage.