Sports Desk | CricBengal.com
Bangladesh fought back with the ball after being bowled out for 272 on the second day of the opening Test against the West Indies in Mirpur. Shadman Islam top-scored with 105, while left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican claimed five wickets for the visitors. At stumps on Thursday, October 29, the West Indies were 134 for four, trailing Bangladesh by 138 runs in the first innings.
Rain and bad light brought the day’s play to an early close at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium, leaving the contest finely poised ahead of the third day.
Shadman Completes His Third Test Century
Shadman resumed the second morning on 99 not out after bad light had ended the opening day’s play with Bangladesh at 213 for three.
The left-handed opener reached his third Test century with two runs off the second delivery of the day, bowled by debutant Joshua Bishop. It was a reward for a patient innings against the West Indies bowling attack.
However, Shadman’s stay ended at 105 from 234 deliveries when Bishop trapped him lbw. Bangladesh reviewed the decision, but the on-field call was upheld.
His century provided the foundation for Bangladesh’s innings, although the home side struggled to build on that platform.
Warrican Triggers Bangladesh Collapse
Bangladesh resumed at 213 for three but lost their remaining seven wickets for just 59 runs to finish on 272.
Towhid Hridoy, who had retired hurt on 42 on the opening evening, returned to the crease but could not add to his score. His dismissal increased the pressure on the middle and lower order.
Warrican led the West Indies attack with figures of five for 53. The left-arm spinner repeatedly troubled Bangladesh’s batters and helped dismantle the innings.
Bishop also made an impact on his Test debut, claiming two wickets, including the crucial dismissal of Shadman. The visitors’ bowlers took advantage of Bangladesh’s inability to turn a promising position into a much larger total.
West Indies Lose Four Wickets in Reply
The West Indies began their response positively, with John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul helping the visitors recover after an early wicket.
Campbell scored 54 and shared a 61-run partnership with Chanderpaul for the second wicket. His dismissal to Mehidy Hasan Miraz, however, opened the door for Bangladesh.
Taijul Islam then struck twice in the same over, removing Kavem Hodge and Amir Jangoo. The West Indies slipped from 90 for one to 97 for four, giving Bangladesh renewed hope.
Chanderpaul remained unbeaten on 43 at the close, while Justin Greaves was not out on 15. Their unbroken partnership helped the visitors avoid further losses before play ended early.
The West Indies reached 134 for four, leaving them 138 runs behind Bangladesh’s first-innings total with six wickets remaining.
What to Expect on Day Three
The West Indies will look to reduce the deficit and establish a stronger position in the match. Chanderpaul’s continued presence at the crease could prove important, while Greaves will aim to support him and help the visitors build a substantial partnership.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, will target early wickets to secure a first-innings lead. The spin combination of Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz could be central to the home side’s plans.
With rain and bad light already affecting the match, the amount of play available on the remaining days could also influence the contest.
CricBengal Analysis
Shadman’s century was a major positive for Bangladesh, but the collapse from 213 for three to 272 all out exposed the team’s difficulty in converting a strong start into a commanding total.
Warrican’s five-wicket haul underlined the effectiveness of disciplined spin bowling on the Mirpur surface. Bangladesh responded with four wickets of their own, ensuring the West Indies could not take full advantage of their bowling performance.
The match remains open. If Bangladesh strike early on the third morning, they could put the visitors under further pressure. If Chanderpaul and Greaves extend their partnership, the West Indies may be able to close the gap and change the balance of the contest.
Publisher: CricBengal.com
