Twitter Reaction: Sherfane Rutherford’s rampage powers West Indies to five-wicket victory against Bangladesh

West Indies defeated Bangladesh by five wickets in the first ODI at Warner Park in St Kitts. After a defeat in the second Test, the hosts were on the backfoot, especially as many of the senior Bangladesh cricketers were unavailable, including captain Najmul Shanto. However, in the first ODI, they rose to the occasion and produced a brilliant batting show to win the game with ease. 

Batting first, Bangladesh started well as opener Tanzid Hasan made 60 runs off the same number of balls. Soumya Sarkar, who was adjudged Player of the Series in the inaugural Global Super League, failed to make a mark, while captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz smashed 74 runs off 101 deliveries. He gave stability in the middle order, which Shakib Al Hasan used to provide previously.

Later, Mahmudullah and Jaker Ali played important knocks, scoring 50* and 48 respectively as Bangladesh posted 294 runs in the first innings. It was a good total on the pitch and Bangladesh were confident of defending it as captain Miraz later confirmed in the post-match presentation. Meanwhile, Romario Shepherd picked up three wickets for West Indies in the first innings while Alzarri Joseph clinched two.

West Indies had a turbulent start to the second innings as both openers struggled in the middle. Brandon King made nine while Evin Lewis hit 16 as the hosts were reduced to 27/2 at one stage. Keacy Carty looked in good touch at one point but the 27-year-old departed after scoring 21 runs off 37. After that, the pair of Sherfane Rutherford and Shai Hope took control of the ship and got the job done.

Rutherford smashed 113 runs off 80 deliveries while Hope supported him well in the middle, scoring 86 off 88. Their partnership of 99 runs pushed Bangladesh out of the contest as later Justin Greaves played a cameo of unbeaten 41 runs off 31 deliveries to win the game for West Indies. Bangladesh bowlers started well at one point but failed to create an impact in the middle overs, resulting in a defeat.

Here's how X reacted to WI vs BAN 1st ODI: