Bangladesh reached 269-9 on Day 3 of the first cricket Test match against the West Indies at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua today, putting them on track to give up a significant first-innings lead.
With 181 runs already behind them, the visitors are depending on Taskin Ahmed and Shoriful Islam, the last wicket duo, to cut the West Indies’ lead as much as possible.
Shoriful Islam was at stumps with five runs and Taskin was batting at eleven. After Justin Greaves struck his first century, the West Indies earlier declared their first innings at 450-9.
On Day 3, when they returned at 40-2, it appeared as though Bangladesh would be bowled out, but Jaker Ali Anik and Mominul hit half-centuries to prevent it.
Before being removed, Jaker, who had previously scored 58 runs in his Test innings, reached his second consecutive half-century and a team-high 53.
In the final three innings, Mominul reached his second half-century, reaching exact 50.
When the West Indies pacers moved the ball brilliantly in the opening hour of the morning session, overnight hitters Shahadat Hossain Dipu and Mominul showed incredible patience to keep Bangladesh intact.
When fast bowler Kemar Roach eventually overcame Shahadat’s defence and got an outside edge to be removed for 18, adding just eight runs to his overnight total, he was rewarded for his excellent bowling throughout the opening hour.
The 45-run collaboration between Shahadat and Mominul ended with his dismissal.
After hitting a single off Alzarri Joseph over backward square leg, Mominul went on to share 62 runs with Liton Das for the fourth wicket, which was broken shortly after he reached his 21st Test half-century off 115 balls.
Mominul was trapped leg-before by pacer Jayden Seals, who returned figures of 2-42, and the batter unsuccessfully challenged the ruling.
Shortly after, Shamar Joseph shook his stump with rapid speed, and Liton followed Mominul after he scored forty.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the stand-in captain, was subsequently dismissed for 23 by Alzarri Joseph, who claimed 3-69.
Jaker Ali persevered by batting resolutely as Bangladesh faltered at 166-6 and faced the threat of being all out below 200.
In Taijul Islam, he received good support and scored 68 runs with him to protect Bangladesh from possible follow-on. Taijul was dismissed for 25 by Alzarri Joseph, ending the partnership.
Jaker Ali attempted to smash Justin Greaves out of the park but was caught by Jayden Seals at mid-wicket after pulling Shamar Joseph for a boundary to raise his second fifty off 85 balls.
Along with his century, Greaves also claimed the wicket of Hasan Mahmud for 8 as the West Indies missed an opportunity to end Bangladesh’s innings. However, Shoriful and Taskin rejected them.
