The Bangladesh tour of the West Indies 2024/25 promises an intriguing mix of cricket across formats, with two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is scheduled between November and December. While the World Test Championship (WTC) is already over for both teams as far as reaching the finals is concerned, this series still holds its own significance as two competitive teams face off in one of cricket’s most picturesque regions.
For Bangladesh, this series is an opportunity to gain valuable experience in foreign conditions, particularly as they wrap up their World Test Championship (WTC) campaign. The West Indies, hosting Bangladesh in the Caribbean, will look to leverage home conditions to rebuild confidence in red-ball cricket while aiming for consistency in the shorter formats.
From the steady grind of Tests to the fast-paced T20 matches under lights, this series offers a varied cricketing experience that reflects the growing rivalry between these two sides. Let’s break down the schedule, the squads, and what to expect from this cross-format contest.
The Schedule of Bangladesh’s Tour of West Indies 2024
The tour begins with a warm-up match in Coolidge before moving into the main contests:
- Test Series: Two matches, starting in North Sound and concluding in Kingston.
- ODI Series: Three games in Basseterre.
- T20Is: A trio of night games in Kingstown, adding a dramatic finish to the tour.
Complete Schedule:
- Tour Match: Nov 17-18, Coolidge
- 1st Test: Nov 22-26, North Sound
- 2nd Test: Nov 30-Dec 4, Kingston
- 1st ODI: Dec 8, Basseterre
- 2nd ODI: Dec 10, Basseterre
- 3rd ODI: Dec 12, Basseterre
- 1st T20I: Dec 16, Kingstown
- 2nd T20I: Dec 18, Kingstown
- 3rd T20I: Dec 20, Kingstown
The Tests are particularly significant as they represent the final games in Bangladesh’s WTC cycle and a chance for the West Indies to make amends after a challenging campaign.
Team Insights: Players to Watch in the Test Series
Bangladesh
Bangladesh, led by Najmul Hossain Shanto, fields a squad with a mix of youth and experience. The batting lineup includes reliable names like Litton Das and Mominul Haque, while the pace attack, led by Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, adds potency. Spin remains a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s strategy, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam expected to play critical roles.
Key Players:
- Taskin Ahmed: Known for his pace and control, Taskin can trouble the West Indies in Tests and ODIs alike.
- Litton Das: Bangladesh’s most dependable batter, capable of carrying the innings under pressure.
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz: A versatile all-rounder who can anchor with the bat and chip away with his off-spin.
West Indies
The West Indies will look to their skipper Kraigg Brathwaite for solidity at the top in Tests. Meanwhile, players like Alzarri Joseph and Kemar Roach bring firepower to the bowling attack. In white-ball formats, the team will rely on a mix of young talent and experienced heads like Joshua Da Silva and Alzarri Joseph.
Key Players:
- Alzarri Joseph: His ability to bowl with pace and aggression makes him a key threat, especially in Tests.
- Kraigg Brathwaite: Known for his patience and technique, Brathwaite will aim to anchor innings in the red-ball games.
- Joshua Da Silva: A reliable wicketkeeper-batsman, vital for building partnerships.
Head-to-Head: History Between the Teams
The rivalry between Bangladesh and the West Indies has developed over years of closely contested matches. While the West Indies dominate the Test head-to-head record, the ODI and T20I contests have been more evenly matched:
- Tests: 20 matches – WI 14, BAN 4, Drawn 2
- ODIs: 44 matches – WI 21, BAN 21, NR 2
- T20Is: 16 matches – WI 9, BAN 5, NR 2
Bangladesh’s steady progress in limited-overs cricket has brought them level with the West Indies in ODIs, and they’ll be eager to carry that momentum forward in this series.
Pitches and Venues: Caribbean Conditions
Each venue brings its unique character to the series:
- North Sound and Kingston (Tests): Expect surfaces that start slow but quicken as the game progresses, aiding both spin and pace.
- Basseterre (ODIs): Known for good batting conditions, with bowlers needing discipline to succeed.
- Kingstown (T20Is): Under the lights, the surface here may favor big hitters, making for high-scoring matches.
Bangladesh’s spinners will likely relish the slower tracks, while the West Indies’ pacers could enjoy the bounce and carry on offer.
What’s at Stake?
While this isn’t a high-profile tour, there’s plenty for both teams to take away:
- For Bangladesh: A chance to end their WTC cycle on a positive note and gain confidence in foreign conditions.
- For West Indies: The series offers an opportunity to stabilize their Test performances and fine-tune their white-ball squads for the future.
The Bangladesh tour of the West Indies may not carry the grandeur of marquee tournaments, but it provides a platform for both teams to test their mettle and build momentum. With a mix of formats and the charm of Caribbean cricketing culture, the series promises moments worth watching.
As the action unfolds, fans can expect a blend of classic Test cricket, the calculated intensity of ODIs, and the sheer excitement of T20s. It’s not just about winning; it’s about playing competitive cricket and laying a foundation for the years ahead.