West Indies Set New ODI Record — First Team to Bowl 50 Overs of Spin
Dhaka, 21 October 2025
In a landmark moment for one-day international cricket, the West Indies achieved an unprecedented feat by bowling all 50 overs with only spin bowlers during the second ODI of the series against Bangladesh at the Sher‑e‑Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur.
Unique Strategy & Match Details
The Windies dropped their pace bowlers and opted to use five specialist spinners — Akeal Hosein, Roston Chase, Khary Pierre, Gudakesh Motie and Alick Athanaze — each bowling their full quota of 10 overs.
Bangladesh were restricted to 213 for 7 in their 50 overs. West Indies matched that total (213 for 9) and the match went to a Super Over, which the West Indies won to level the series 1-1.
The previous record for most spin-overs by one team in an ODI was 44 overs by Sri Lanka in 1996. West Indies surpassed that mark by delivering the full 50 overs via spin.
Why It Matters
It’s the first time in 54-year ODI history that a full member nation bowled the entire 50-over innings purely with spinners.
It highlights how team strategy is evolving: adapting to conditions (the Mirpur surface was reported as slow and supportive of spin) and making bold selections.
For a side once known for its fearsome pace attack, this spin-only approach symbolizes a shift in mindset and flexibility.
Key Performer Snippets
Gudakesh Motie returned 3/65 in his 10 overs.
Alick Athanaze bowled impressively with 2/14 from his 10 overs, the most economical among the five.
Hosein (2/41), Pierre (0/43), and Chase (0/44) completed the spin-unit’s full quota.
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What Comes Next
The impact of this strategic masterclass is likely to ripple across international cricket:
Batting sides will need to be prepared for surfaces favourable to spin and possible “all-spin” bowling attacks.
Other teams may evaluate whether they can replicate such an approach—or whether this remains a specialist tactic for certain venues.
The West Indies will be buoyed by the record and the series-levelling win, giving them momentum heading into the final match.
Final Word
By bowling 50 overs of spin in a single ODI, the West Indies didn’t just win a match — they rewrote a piece of cricket history. It was a bold, calculated move that paid off and will be remembered as a defining moment in the format.
