17 wickets fell on Day 4 but West Indies continued to dominate proceedings in the first Test against Bangladesh in Antigua. Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales took three wickets each and ran through the Bangladesh batting line-up. Taskin Ahmed’s six-fer helped the visitors put up a fight but their batters crumbled in the fourth innings.
Bangladesh surprised everyone by declaring at their overnight score of 269/9, giving West Indies a lead of 181. Kraigg Brathwaite got off to a brisk start as the hosts added 21 runs in the first four overs.
However, Taskin Ahmed who got the edge a few times in his first couple of overs finally got rewarded with the wicket of Mikyle Louis who nicked one to the keeper. Taskin then got Keacy Carty for the second time in the match before Shoriful dismissed Brathwaite in the following over.
At 39/3, West Indies were in a spot of bother but their lead had stretched beyond 200. Alick Athanaze and Kavem Hodge then saw off a tricky period before lunch where the Bangladesh bowlers continued to pose questions and bowl well consistently.
Athanaze who got 90 in the first innings opened up post lunch and struck a few boundaries. But the 50-run stand was broken by Taskin as he dismissed Hodge for 15. Mehidy Hasan Miraz got the wicket of Athanaze in the following over to leave West Indies reeling at 93/5. Taskin picked up his fourth wicket as he knocked over the first innings centurion Justin Greaves for just 2.
Joshua Da Silva went out on the attack and scored a quick 22 before Taijul Islam had him caught at point. Taskin ran through the West Indies tail and completed his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket. The hosts were bowled out for 152. However, the lead had gone past the 300-run mark.
Roach, Seales run through Bangladesh top-order
Chasing 334 was always going to be a stiff ask but there was barely any resistance from the Bangladesh batters. Kemar Roach started the procession as he knocked over Zakir Hasan in the first over. Jayden Seales joined the party as he had Mahmudul Hasan Joy edging to third slip.
Roach who bowled an eight-over first spell went on to get rid of Mominul Haque and Shahadat Hossain Dipu as Bangladesh were reduced to 23/4. Litton Das and skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz tried to counter-attack. The duo added 36 runs in just 5.2 overs before Das holed out to deep square leg. Shamar Joseph was the one who broke the threatening stand.
In fact, the Bangladesh wicket-keeper batter was dropped and so was Mehidy. But both batters couldn’t make use of the opportunities.
Mehidy continued to go out on the attack after Das’ wicket as he shared a 43-run stand with Jaker Ali. However, Seales got the better of the Bangladesh captain who nicked one to the keeper. West Indies ended the day with the wicket of Taijul Islam who was knocked over by Seales.
Bangladesh need another 225 runs with just three wickets in hand. West Indies are on the brink of taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.
BRIEF SCORES: West Indies 450/9 decl (Justin Greaves 115*, Mikyle Louis 97, Alick Athanaze 90, Hasan Mahmud 3/87, Taskin Ahmed 2/76) & 152 (Alick Athanaze 42, Taskin Ahmed 6/64, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 2/31) vs Bangladesh 269/9 decl (Jaker Ali 53, Mominul Haque 50, Alzarri Joseph 3/69, Jayden Seales 2/42) & 109/7 (Mehidy Hasan Miraz 45, Kemar Roach 3/20, Jayden Seales 3/31).
