ST GEORGE’S (Grenada): A century stand between Kieron Pollard and Denesh Ramdin rescued an imploding West Indies and spurred them to a three-wicket win over Bangladesh in the first One-day International here at the National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

West Indies suffered a top order batting collapse which left them reeling on 34-5, while chasing a target of 218. But Pollard and Ramdin put on 145 for the sixth wicket to pull the home side from the jaws of defeat as they reached 219-7 with 62 balls to spare.

Paceman Al-Amin Hossain, who finished with 4-51, snatched three early wickets as the home side slumped to 20-3, chasing the visitors’ 217-9. Pollard started slowly but accelerated later to finish with a top score of 89 while Ramdin scored 74, starting quickly but curbing his enthusiasm.

The top four — Chris Gayle (3), Kirk Edwards (10), Darren Bravo (7) and Lendl Simmons (0) — all fell cheaply.

After their impressive counter attack Pollard and Ramdin perished in the dying stages of the chase to give Bangladesh a chance to make a comeback.

Pollard struck five fours and six sixes facing 70 balls while Ramdin, who faced 76 balls, accounted for six fours and a six to transform the match and carry West Indies to the brink of victory before the partnership expired.

A brief rain delay may have interfered with the flow of the partnership with Ramdin departing shortly after, playing on to the base of his off stump.

Less than three overs later Pollard’s whirlwind innings ended as he mistimed a shot aimed for over the long on boundary and was caught.

But Jason Holder hit three fours to reach 22 and kept his nerve with Sunil Narine to ensure West Indies take a one-nil lead in the three-match ODI series.

Earlier, Bangladesh opener Anamul Haque reached his third ODI century to guide his team to a competitive total. His 109 came off 133 balls with nine fours and one six after West Indies captain Dwayne Bravo won the toss and asked Bangladesh to bat first.

Anamul held the innings together, but was alone as wickets fell regularly with West Indies skipper Dwayne Bravo taking 4-32 in his seven overs.

Anamul and Nasir Hossain scraped together 53 runs for the sixth wicket, Nasir contributing 22, the same score as opener Tamim Iqbal.

The second ODI between West Indies and Bangladesh is scheduled for Friday here at the same venue.

Published in Dawn, August 22nd, 2014