West Indies are on the brink of victory in the first Test against Bangladesh, reducing the visitors to 109 for 7 at stumps on the fourth day.
With only three wickets in hand, Bangladesh are now facing a tough task, as Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales orchestrated a commanding bowling performance.
Bangladesh began the day with an unusual decision to declare their first innings at 269 for 9, leaving a deficit of 181 runs.
This aggressive approach aimed to create opportunities for their bowlers, a gamble that seemed to work momentarily as Taskin Ahmed delivered a career-best 6 for 64 to bowl West Indies out for 152.
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However, the inspired bowling effort was undone by Bangladesh’s fragile batting under relentless pressure from the West Indies attack.
Roach struck early in Bangladesh’s chase, removing Zakir Hasan for a duck and later claiming Mominul Haque with a sharp return catch.
Jayden Seales added to the woes, dismissing Mahmudul Hasan Joy and then Taijul Islam with precise deliveries. Bangladesh's top-order collapse left them reeling at 59 for 5.
Amid the chaos, captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz staged a lone fightback, scoring a brisk 45 off 46 balls. His innings featured bold strokes, including five boundaries and a six, as he tried to keep the scoreboard ticking.
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However, his dismissal to a sharp catch behind the stumps by Joshua Da Silva off Seales effectively ended Bangladesh’s hopes of a resurgence. Litton Das managed a quick 22 but fell to Shamar Joseph after a brief counterattack.
Earlier in the day, West Indies started their second innings cautiously but were undone by Taskin’s fiery spell. Alick Athanaze top-scored with 42, while Kraigg Brathwaite contributed 23.
Despite Taskin’s heroics, supported by two wickets from Mehidy, West Indies set a daunting target of 334 runs.
The West Indies bowlers, backed by sharp fielding despite some missed chances, maintained a stranglehold on Bangladesh. Roach finished the day with 3 for 20, while Seales impressed with 3 for 31.