BAN vs WI Playing 11 Today, Live Streaming, Pitch & Weather: Bangladesh vs West Indies 1st Test 2026

Bangladesh vs West Indies 1st Test: Match Preview, Prediction, Pitch Report and Playing XIs

Bangladesh and West Indies begin their two-match Test series at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The opening match offers Bangladesh a chance to reassert their strength at home, while the visitors will be looking to close their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) campaign with a statement performance.

The first ball is scheduled for 9:30 AM IST (10:00 AM local time). With Mirpur’s surface expected to become increasingly spin-friendly, the toss, first-innings batting and ability to adapt as the pitch wears could all shape the result.

Bangladesh vs West Indies: WTC standings and recent form

Bangladesh sit fourth in the current WTC standings, with three wins, two defeats and one draw. Their 1-1 series draw in Australia was an encouraging sign of progress, but losses to Afghanistan in the UAE exposed lingering questions about consistency away from home. A strong performance in Dhaka would help restore confidence and underline the team’s growing competitiveness.

West Indies are eighth, with a points percentage of 20.83. Heavy defeats to Australia and India have ended their hopes of reaching the WTC final, making this their last assignment of the cycle. Still, the visitors have reasons for optimism: they have gone unbeaten in Test series in 2026, beating Sri Lanka 1-0 and drawing 1-1 with Pakistan.

Bangladesh have won two and lost two of their last five completed Tests, with one draw. Their home series win over Pakistan and the draw in Australia contrast with their difficult UAE tour. West Indies, meanwhile, have recorded two wins, two losses and a draw in their last five Tests. Their challenge will be to carry recent confidence into demanding conditions in Bangladesh.

Head-to-head record: West Indies hold the historical edge

West Indies have won 15 of the 22 Tests between the sides, while Bangladesh have claimed five victories. Two matches have ended in draws. The visitors have also won seven of their nine Tests played in Bangladesh, a record that gives them a notable historical advantage despite the expected challenge of Mirpur’s turning pitch.

Past results, however, cannot settle this contest. Bangladesh’s familiarity with local conditions and the likely influence of spin could make the first Test a very different test of skill from previous meetings.

Players to watch in the first Test

Bangladesh: Shanto, Taijul and Mehidy

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto has scored 647 runs in the current WTC cycle and will be central to Bangladesh’s plans with the bat. Mushfiqur Rahim is another important figure, having averaged 44.7 across his last six matches. His experience could prove especially valuable if the top order loses early wickets.

With the ball, left-arm spinner Taijul Islam leads Bangladesh’s WTC-cycle wicket-takers with 24 scalps. All-rounder Mehidy Hasan Miraz offers another major threat, combining control and the ability to attack as the surface begins to turn. Bangladesh’s spin pair could become increasingly influential over the course of the match.

West Indies: Shamar Joseph, Roach and Chase

Fast bowler Shamar Joseph has taken 35 wickets in the current WTC cycle and will be expected to lead the visitors’ attack. Veteran seamer Kemar Roach brings experience and accuracy, qualities that could be particularly useful if there is movement with the new ball.

Roston Chase will have responsibilities with both bat and ball. His ability to build an innings could be crucial on a surface where patience matters, while his off-spin may help West Indies respond to Bangladesh’s own slow-bowling threat.

Pitch report: What to expect at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium

The Mirpur pitch traditionally offers a contest between early assistance for seamers and increasing help for spinners. Fast bowlers may find movement in the opening sessions, but batters who settle in and show discipline can still build substantial scores. The average first-innings total at the venue is 328.

The surface generally becomes more difficult as the match progresses, with greater turn and the possibility of uneven bounce. The average fourth-innings score is 172, a sharp drop that highlights the challenge of chasing late in a Test. Teams batting first have won 15 of the 30 Tests at the ground, compared with 12 victories for sides bowling first. That record suggests that a strong opening innings could be a significant advantage.

Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium Test records

Matches: 30 | Wins batting first: 15 | Wins bowling first: 12

Average scores: First innings 328, second innings 308, third innings 242, fourth innings 172

Highest total: 730/6 declared, Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh, 2014

Lowest total: 87 all out, Bangladesh vs Pakistan, 2021

Highest successful chase: 209/1, England vs Bangladesh, 2010

Lowest total defended: 213, Bangladesh vs West Indies, 2018

Best innings bowling: Taijul Islam, 8/39 vs Zimbabwe, 2014

Best match bowling: Mehidy Hasan Miraz, 12/117 vs West Indies, 2018

Weather forecast and rain threat

Warm conditions are expected in Mirpur, although the forecast points to a chance of rain during the match. Cloud cover and showers could interrupt play or leave the outfield damp, potentially reducing time on the field. If rain affects the opening days, both teams may need to make the most of available sessions and adjust their plans accordingly.

Team news and predicted playing XIs

Bangladesh have fitness and selection decisions to resolve before the match. Jaker Ali could come into the side if a teammate fails a late fitness test. Taskin Ahmed’s return gives the hosts another pace option, while Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud and Ebadot Hossain are competing for a place in the attack.

West Indies are expected to use Joshua Da Silva as wicketkeeper, while Shai Hope could be considered primarily as a batter if selected. The visitors must also choose between left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop and seam-bowling all-rounder Shamar Springer, a decision that may depend on how they assess the Mirpur surface.

Predicted Bangladesh XI

Shadman Islam, Tanzid Hasan, Najmul Hossain Shanto (captain), Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wicketkeeper), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud.

Predicted West Indies XI

Tagenarine Chanderpaul, John Campbell, Brandon King, Amir Jangoo, Roston Chase (captain), Joshua Da Silva (wicketkeeper), Justin Greaves, Kevin Wickham, Jomel Warrican, Kemar Roach, Shamar Joseph.

Key player battles

Kemar Roach vs Mushfiqur Rahim: Roach has dismissed Rahim three times in 200 deliveries, conceding 74 runs. The contest could be crucial if the fast bowler strikes before Bangladesh’s experienced batter gets established.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz vs John Campbell: Mehidy has conceded 60 runs from 73 balls against Campbell and dismissed him once. His off-spin could be a key weapon if Campbell opens the innings and the pitch begins to grip.

Taijul Islam vs Roston Chase: Taijul has dismissed Chase twice in 54 deliveries, allowing just 32 runs. West Indies will need Chase to negotiate that matchup carefully, particularly if Bangladesh turn to spin early.

Match prediction: Who has the advantage?

Bangladesh appear well placed to exploit home conditions, especially if Taijul and Mehidy find turn as the pitch deteriorates. West Indies’ pace attack, led by Shamar Joseph and Kemar Roach, could make an impact with the new ball, and their strong historical record in Bangladesh should not be dismissed.

Prediction: Bangladesh hold a slight advantage because of their familiarity with Mirpur and the likely influence of spin. However, the toss, weather interruptions and West Indies’ ability to build a competitive first-innings total could keep the match finely balanced.

Where to watch BAN vs WI 1st Test live

In India, live streaming will be available on the FanCode app and website, with a match pass or tour pass required. There is no official live television broadcast in India. In Bangladesh, the match will be shown on T Sports, with streaming on the Toffee app and website. In the Caribbean, viewers can watch on ESPN and ESPN 2, with streaming available through Disney+.