Mosaddek, Sarkar star in Bangladesh's historic tri-series victory

Malahide: Mosaddek Hossain's unbeaten 52 off 24 balls and 41 ball 66 by Soumya Sarkar helped Bangladesh to a five-wicket win over West Indies and to lift its first multi-national ODI trophy in a rain-curtailed final match. 

After winning the toss and electing to field first, Bangladesh failed to dismiss Windies' in-form opening pair of Hope (74) and Sunil Ambris (69*) early as they scored 144 runs for the first wicket. The West Indies had scored 131/0 in 20.1 overs, scoring at nearly seven runs an over before the rain interrupted play. 

After a lengthy rain delay, West Indies were given only 3.5 more overs to bat. West Indies lost their momentum after the rain and could manage to score only 21 runs, finishing on 152/1, setting Bangladesh a target of 210 in 24 overs after DLS revision.

In reply, Bangladesh openers Tamim Iqbal (18) and Soumya Sarkar(66) had a flying start with a 59-run partnership. However in the sixth over,  West Indies bowler Gabriel took the wickets of Tamim Iqbal and Sabbir Rahman in the same over and tried to change the fortunes of Windies.  

During the middle overs, West Indies tried to pull things back in their favour through some tidy overs from Raymon Reifer (2/23) and Shannon Gabriel (2/30). Meanwhile, the quick wickets didn't deter Sarkar as he put on a brisk 49-run stand with Mushfiqur Rahim  to keep Bangladesh on track in the chase. 

In the end,  Bangladesh needed 27 off the last three overs. That's when Mosaddek launched into left-arm spinner Fabian Allen with 6-6-4-6-2-1 and reduced the equation to two runs to win.

Mosaddek finished on 52 not out off 24 balls, after five sixes and two boundaries and helped the team cross the victory line. (UNI)