Five pillars standing strong

There were grave concerns about the Tigers' ability to put their dismal performances in the Test series, part of which was being bowled out for their lowest ever score of 43 in the first Test, behind them and stage a comeback in the ODI series against West Indies.

It was a tough ask for inspirational ODI skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza to regroup the demoralised cricketers and start afresh in their favoured format.

And it was once again the five pillars of Bangladesh -- Mashrafe, Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah Riyad -- who took charge for the Tigers and registered their first ODI series win abroad since 2009.

Among other records, Bangladesh also registered their highest team score in the West Indies when they scored 301 for six in the third ODI, which they won by 18 runs to clinch the series.

Tamim has been in terrific form and became the first Bangladeshi to score two hundreds in a series twice with scores of 130 not out, 54 and 103. He also became the highest visiting run-scorer against the West Indies in an ODI series, surpassing Australian Darren Lehman's 205 runs.

Shakib also played his part throughout the series, coming in at the crucial number three spot and providing a lot of assurance while scoring 190 runs in three games at an average of 63.33, which included two fifties.

The champion all-rounder was a part of the record 207-run second-wicket partnership with Tamim in the first ODI in Guyana, where he missed out on his eighth ODI ton by just three runs.

Skipper Mashrafe once again lead the side with great confidence and also showed why he is still the best pace bowler in the team. He not only provided breakthroughs at crucial junctures but also managed to keep things tight when required.

Mashrafe's leadership ability often overshadows his bowling, but this time his skills with the ball came to the fore as the 'Narail Express' ended the series as the leading wicket taker with seven scalps.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Mushfiqur showed why he is rated as one of the best batsman in the Tigers line-up as he displayed his ability to score quick runs while being reliable.

Whether it was his 11-ball 30 in the first ODI or the courageous 67-ball 68 in the second while chasing 272, which the Tigers went on to lose by just three runs, the 31-year-old was on top of his game throughout the series.

Last but not least, Mahmudullah played his part in the third ODI, scoring an unbeaten 67 off 49 balls to help the Tigers go past the 300-run mark.

The stylish right-hander also added an important 87-run partnership with Mushfiqur in the second ODI and almost took the side to the finish line before being run out on 39.

In a largely positive series the disappointments were neither surprising nor new. The junior members of the side, especially in the batting lineup, continued their inability to step up. Off-spinner Mehedi Hasan Miraz was perhaps the only younger member who played a crucial part in the series win as he was outstanding with the new ball in every match.

The biggest disappointment for the Tigers was undoubtedly Anamul Haque, who was given the license to play freely by skipper Mashrafe before the series.

But the right hander was unable to utilise the opportunity in all three games scoring 0,23 and 10 and more importantly, Anamul showed no situational awareness  and was unable to adapt to conditions in any of the matches.

Sabbir Rahman and Mosaddek Hossain were the other two cricketers who will need to rethink their approaches as their impact on the series was also mimnimal.