Warner Park, Basseterre, St Kitts [Source: @paulmoran62/X]
On Sunday, Bangladesh will lock horns with West Indies in the first One-Day International of the upcoming three-match series. The high-octane encounter will take place at Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts.
The Test series witnessed a riveting contest between the two sides, as Bangladesh secured an emphatic 101-run win to restore parity. However, the ODI format presents a different challenge altogether, and considering their intense rivalry, we expect a cracking battle in the series opener.
As Bangladesh and West Indies are all set to clash, let's see how the surface at Warner Park in Basseterre, St Kitts, will behave throughout the contest.
Warner Park Basseterre St Kitts Stats And Records In ODIs
Criterion | Data |
---|---|
Matches played | 30 |
Matches won batting 1st | 20 |
Matches won batting 2nd | 10 |
Average 1st innings total | 245 |
Average 2nd innings total | 191 |
Warner Park Basseterre St Kitts Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?
The surface at Warner Park in Basseterre St Kitts generally offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Although there will be marginal seam movement, the wicket's tacky nature might make things slightly tough for the stroke-players, particularly against the old ball.
So, the batters must spend some time in the middle and try to adapt to the conditions. Once they get adjusted to the track's pace and bounce, they can capitalise on the poor deliveries, particularly if the ball is either too full or short. The pacers must hit the hard length and bowl more cutters and slow balls than the seam-ups to succeed at this venue.
Expect the spinners to play a vital role here, as there will be some turn on offer for them throughout the match. As it's the first game of the white-ball leg, don't expect the pitch to deteriorate significantly as the game progresses. So, although the teams batting first have won more games than the chasing sides at this venue, expect the toss-winner to bowl first. If the teams bat sensibly, something around 275 will likely be a par total here.
Players To Watch Out For At Warner Park Basseterre St Kitts
Mehidy Hasan Miraz
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz will lead Bangladesh in this ODI series. Apart from scoring brisk runs lower down the order, Miraz can be a force to reckon with the ball in St Kitts. Considering the wicket will offer a hint of turn to the spinners, Mehidy might be a key player for Bangladesh.
Shai Hope
- Shai Hope is West Indies' Mr consistent in ODIs. The stylish right-handed batter has a stunning record at home and will certainly be a crucial player for the hosts in this series. He has struck a half-century in his only ODI at this venue; so, expect him to frustrate the Tigers with his stroke-play.
Gudakesh Motie
- The surface in St Kitts will be conducive to spin bowling and Gudakesh Motie could be pivotal for the hosts on this track. He has been outstanding in white-ball cricket of late and might rattle the Tigers with his lethal spells.