Before the start of the three-match ODI series against the West Indies, Bangladesh had managed just one win in eight outings this year. Their recent struggles in the 50-over format, including a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Afghanistan, had drawn widespread criticism for a side that appeared to have lost both confidence and competitiveness in the their once-preferred format.

However, the Mehidy Hasan Miraz-led team finally broke their four-match losing streak with a 74-run victory over the Caribbean side in the series opener on Saturday at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. Yet, instead of celebration, the familiar debate over the "Mirpur formula" resurfaced -- one that heavily favors spin-friendly conditions.

In an era where defending 207 runs is often seen as improbable, Bangladesh's spinners turned that modest total into a mountain, bowling out West Indies for just 133. While the win brought temporary relief, questions re-emerged about why the Tigers continue to rely on a surface many of their own players have often criticized.

Despite available venues in Sylhet and Chattogram -- both offering more balanced conditions -- the decision to host the series in Mirpur raised eyebrows. Bangladesh last played an ODI series at the venue back in September 2023 against New Zealand.

"Our women practiced here recently, and we saw that the wicket behaved well. But on the black soil wicket, I thought -- and [pitch curator] Tony [Hemming] also had the same idea -- that the wicket would be better than this," BCB cricket operation chairman Nazmul Abedeen Fahim told The Daily Star yesterday.

"My assumption is that due to recent rain, preparing the pitch was challenging. Covering and uncovering the wicket repeatedly may have affected how much water was applied. So, it's not easy to prepare a perfect pitch under those conditions," he added.

He added that players were also uncomfortable: "The wickets we practise on don't match what we get here… the wicket definitely had turn… but we are not comfortable."

A BCB official, meanwhile, said Mirpur hosts to ensure "even distribution among venues." On whether the team requested a specific wicket, he said "that would be known to the board or directors."

Currently ranked 10th in the ICC ODI standings and outside the direct qualification zone for the 2027 World Cup, Bangladesh face a crucial year ahead. They are scheduled to host Pakistan, New Zealand, Australia, and India for a total of 12 ODIs next year, along with eight away matches in Zimbabwe and Ireland.

That raises another question: will Bangladesh continue to rely on their spin-heavy home advantage against the world's best sides and to do that, will they prefer continuing playing in Mirpur?

"Australia and New Zealand have excellent spinners and play spin very well. So there's no chance of taking that advantage against them -- in fact, we might be the ones struggling," Fahim cautioned.

While next year's venue plan isn't finalised, sources indicate Bangladesh may again lean on their Mirpur formula to bolster qualification hopes.