BAN Bangladesh
WI West Indies
T20 World Cup 2026
Bangladesh vs West Indies Match Prediction
Last updated: 19 January 2026
A genuine 50-50 contest opens Group C as Bangladesh face West Indies at Eden Gardens. The two-time T20 World Cup champions hold a narrow 9-8 advantage in T20Is, but Bangladesh whitewashed them 3-0 in the Caribbean last December - their first-ever T20I series sweep over West Indies. This is a match where form, conditions, and tournament experience collide.
Tournament Context
Both teams are in Group C alongside England, Nepal, and Italy. The top two advance to the Super Eight phase. For West Indies, anything less than a semi-final appearance would be considered failure given their pedigree. For Bangladesh, simply being here is a victory - the BCB had a bitter standoff with the ICC over playing in India, with the deadline for confirmation falling on January 21. That political uncertainty could affect their preparation and mindset.
Team Context and Recent Form
West Indies arrive as the only team to have won the T20 World Cup twice (2012, 2016). Captain Shai Hope leads a squad packed with power-hitters and spinners suited to Indian conditions. Rovman Powell holds the most runs against Bangladesh in this fixture (282 in 11 T20Is). The twin spin threat of Akeal Hosein and Gudakesh Motie could be decisive at spin-friendly Eden Gardens. Key players were rested for the Afghanistan series to arrive fresh.
Bangladesh enter without their greatest T20I player. Shakib Al Hasan is not in the squad - reports suggest political tensions played a role in his omission. Former captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was also dropped. Captain Litton Das leads a young squad featuring leg-spinner Rishad Hossain and pace spearhead Mustafizur Rahman. They beat Ireland comfortably in December but also lost a T20I to UAE - a concerning result.
Head-to-Head Record
2014: WI won by 73 runs
2021: WI won by 3 runs
Pitch and Conditions
Eden Gardens starts batting-friendly but slows down to assist spinners. Short boundaries (65-70m) and a fast outfield favour stroke-makers. Afternoon start (15:00 IST) means less dew than evening games.
Key Players to Watch
| Player | Team | Role | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rovman Powell | WI | Power-hitter | 282 runs vs BAN in 11 T20Is, 3 fifties |
| Akeal Hosein | WI | Left-arm spin | Crucial for Indian conditions |
| Mustafizur Rahman | BAN | Left-arm pace | Leads bowling attack, IPL experience |
| Rishad Hossain | BAN | Leg-spinner | Breakout star, turning the ball sharply |
| Litton Das (C) | BAN | WK-batter | Captain and senior batter |
Why This Match Is Close
The 2007 T20 World Cup saw Bangladesh knock West Indies out in the group stage - a result that still stings. Bangladesh have the tactical nous to compete: they swept this WI core 3-0 just two months ago. Mustafizur's slower balls and Rishad's googlies can trouble any batting lineup. But West Indies have tournament DNA that Bangladesh lack - they know how to win World Cups.
Our Prediction
West Indies to win. This is close - genuinely close. Bangladesh have the bowling to trouble anyone and won the recent head-to-head series. But the absence of Shakib, combined with political distractions and West Indies' superior tournament experience, tips the balance. Coach Darren Sammy won two T20 World Cups as captain - that experience is invaluable. We give West Indies 55% probability.
Betting Value
This match is close enough that value could exist on either side depending on where bookmakers set their lines.
