BAN vs WI Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match? ODI series, Match 1

After hosting the BCB president’s Cup and the Bangabandhu T20 Cup, Bangladesh are to resuming international cricket. It starts with three ODIs against the West Indies, the first of which will be played on Wednesday, January 20 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.

The hosts have a full-strength team after Shakib Al Hasan and Mohammad Saifuddin found their way back into the national reckoning. As far as the Caribbean team is concerned, a number of their major players are missing after they opted out of the tour.

Jason Mohammed will have a tough task when the series starts. Rubbing salt into their wounds, their premier spinner Hayden Walsh Jr has been ruled out after testing positive for COVID-19. It goes without saying that the hosts, well and truly, will start as the firm favourites.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Mirpur has mostly been on the slower side and the spinners will come in play more in the second half of the game. Hence, it’s advisable to bat first and make full use of the batting-friendly conditions.

The average score in 108 ODIs at the venue is 243. There are chance of rain and hence, delays are possible. The temperature will be around 25 degrees Celsius with the humidity in the 60s.

Playing Combinations for BAN vs WI

Bangladesh

Probable XI

Tamim Iqbal (C), Soumya Sarkar/Liton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (WK), Mahmudullah, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mustafizur Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Taijul Islam

Bench: Soumya Sarkar/Liton Das, Afif Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Mohammad Mithun, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud

West Indies

Probable XI

Sunil Ambris, Andre McCarthy, Joshua da Silva (WK), Kyle Mayers/Nkrumah Bonner, Akeal Hosein, Jason Mohammed (C), Rovman Powell, Raymon Reifer, Alzarri Joseph, Chemar Holder, Keon Harding

Bench: Kjorn Ottley, Kyle Mayers/Nkrumah Bonner, Jahmar Hamilton

Players to watch out for in BAN vs WI

Tamim Iqbal- Bangladesh

Tamim Iqbal is the leading run-scorer for Bangladesh in ODI cricket and his numbers are unparalleled. When the Tigers played the ODI series against Zimbabwe last year, he got a couple of massive tons.

However, he is yet to show his prowess as the skipper. After Mashrafe Mortaza’s departure, it will be interesting to see how Tamim carries forward the legacy set by the Narail Express.

Sunil Ambris- West Indies

Sunil Ambris, in all probability, should be opening the batting for the West Indies in the 50-overs format. With a century and two half-centuries under his belt, the right-hander has 447 runs from 13 ODIs.

He also played in the 2019 edition of the World Cup in England and Wales. In an inexperienced-looking batting lineup, the 27-year-old’s role will be of prime importance without a doubt.

BAN vs WI Broadcast details

Match Timings– 01:30 PM (IST), 02:00 PM (Local)

Live Streaming– Fancode.

The prediction is for Bangladesh to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.