DHAKA, Bangladesh, Oct 28, CMC – Shadman Islam’s defiant, unbeaten knock of 99 guided Bangladesh to 213 for three to give them the edge over the visiting West Indies after the first day of the opening Test here on Wednesday.
Islam would have loved to reach three figures before bad light eventually ended play with 16 overs in the day still remaining, but he will no doubt endure a sleepless night after finishing one run short of a well-deserved third Test century.
The opener formed crucial partnerships with Mominul Haque, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and Towhid Hridoy, which helped to keep a probing West Indies attack at bay.
It didn’t take long for West Indies to strike after Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.
Pacer Jayden Seales enticed Tanzid Hasan to drive at a length delivery outside the off stump, with his healthy edge flying to second slip where Justin Greaves took a comfortable catch with just nine runs on the board.
Fellow fast bowler Shamar Joseph also caused Bangladesh’s batters some trouble with his seam movement and consistent deliveries at over 140 km.
But any hopes the visitors had of running through the home side’s batters were quelled by Islam and Haque, with the pair putting on 59 runs for the second wicket.
Haque looked in good nick for his 28 off 51 balls until he danced down the track to a delivery from left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican and hit it straight into the hands of Joseph stationed at mid off.
His dismissal brought Shanto to the crease, with the two carrying their side to lunch at 90 for two, with Islam unbeaten on 42.
Islam duly reached his 10th Test half century, and fourth against the West Indies, off 95 balls by pulling a short delivery from Jayden Seales to deep square leg for a single.
The Windies were in the ascendancy shortly after though, when Warrican had Shanto lbw for 19 after he completely missed his intended paddle sweep.
The on-field umpire initially turned down his appeal, but the review showed the ball hitting middle stump, with the decision reducing Bangladesh to 110 for three.
But once again the Windies’ progress was stalled by another partnership, this time between Islam and Towhid Hridoy.
The pair added 88 runs for the fourth wicket with little fuss, despite play being interrupted for 50 minutes after the tea interval due to bad light.
Hridoy was quick to pounce on anything short or wide, but was troubled by cramps throughout his innings on a surprisingly hot day.
It came to a boil in the 66th over and he was forced to retire hurt on 42 off 84 balls with Bangladesh 198 for three.
An understandably cautious Islam spent some time in the 90s, scoring just three runs in four overs to move from 96 to 99.
With just one run needed for his century, the umpires ruled that the light was not good enough as West Indies skipper Roston Chase sought to reintroduce a fast bowler back into the attack.
This time, the players did not return to the field, bringing an end to the day’s play.
Islam has so far faced 219 balls and struck 10 fours, with Litton Das unbeaten at the other end on 10.
Warrican has been the Windies’ best bowler thus far with 2-33 from his 14 overs.
CMC rb/26