Bangladesh seal ODI series 3-0

The third ODI against the West Indies proved to be the most taxing, but Bangladesh did not sweat too much as they eventually got over the line with four wickets to spare in Providence.

Another meagre total of 178 from the hosts did not help their cause, but the game was more closely contested than the previous two. Ultimately, it was a story of Bangladesh simply resisting the urge to do anything over the top that might see them throw away wickets, although not all of their batters were quite as careful.

Tamim Iqbal contributed the lion's share of runs to the 20-run opening partnership before Najmul Hossain Shanto edged one through to the wicketkeeper after scoring just one run off 13 balls.

That brought Liton Das to the crease and he and Bangladesh's ODI skipper forged a 50-run stand before Tamim was dismissed after making a 52-ball 34 as the ball flew into the air off the edge of his attempted sweep. He fell victim to Gudakesh Motie, who would prove to be the Windies' best bowler on the day.

After Liton Das completed his half-century, Motie sent him back in the 25th over, taking a fantastic reverse catch. One ball later, Motie would remove Afif Hossain, who charged down the track and completely missed the ball to leave Bangladesh on 96 for four.

Mahmudullah Riyad, who came in at number four, played the role of anchor, seeing off 61 balls in the middle overs, ensuring that a lack wickets would not complicate a simple equation.

Unfortunately, Mosaddek Hossain at the other end did not get the memo, going for a charge down the line off the last ball of Motie's allotted overs, only managing to launch it into the palms of a fielder.

At 116 for five with just three recognised batsmen left in their ranks, Bangladesh shifted even more towards caution.

There was a further hiccup when Mahmudullah decided to go down the track. The bowler and West Indies captain Nicholas Pooran saw through his intentions and bowled miles wide, leaving Mahmudullah in no man's land and Shai Hope to complete an easy stumping to leave the visitors on 147 for six.

Nurul Hasan Sohan and Mehedi Hasan Miraz then got Bangladesh over the line and to a series whitewash after 48.3 overs, but their scores of 32 off 38 balls and 16 off 35 balls showed the careful intent with which they completed the job.