Chittagong: Bangladesh were 47/3 at stumps, leading West Indies by 218 runs on eventful third day of the first Test, here on Friday.
As many as 10 wickets fell and there were a few collapses during the course of the day.
After bowling out West Indies for 259, Bangladesh didn’t have a great start in their second innings.
In the second over, Rahkeem Cornwall had both Tamim Iqbal and Najmul Hossain Shanto dismissed for nought. Bangladesh were 1/2.
Shadman Islam and captain Mominul Haque attempted to steady the ship, but Shannon Gabriel came in and had Shadman caught behind off a short ball. However, Mominul and Mushfiqur Rahim, the new man, ensured there were no further stumbles, taking Bangladesh into stumps at 47/3.
Resuming the day, West Indies lost Nkrumah Bonner, overnight on 17*, off the very first ball of the morning session. Kraigg Brathwaite, overnight on 49, completed his half-century and added 55 for the fourth wicket with the adventurous Kyle Mayers.
It seemed West Indies had decided to adopt a slightly more aggressive approach, and they crossed the 100 mark with Mayers and Brathwaite looking good together. However, the approach risked wickets, and it came when Brathwaite was cleaned up by Nayeem Hasan.
Mayers didn’t last long thereafter, and having scored a 65-ball 40, he was trapped in front by Mehidy Hasan. West Indies were 154/4.
From there on, Blackwood and Joshua Da Silva steadied things. They put on a 99-run partnership and took West Indies past the 200-run mark.
As long as they were in the middle, it seemed the visitors would reduce the deficit significantly. However, late in the session, everything went awry.
A length delivery from Nayeem kept low, Da Silva poked at it, and was caught behind for 42. In the very next over, Blackwood attempted to work one down to fine leg, and ended up gifting a catch to the wicketkeeper. West Indies were reduced to 253/7.
After resumption in the final session, Bangladesh didn’t waste time cleaning up the lower order. West Indies managed to add just six runs in the session before losing their last three wickets. West Indies conceded a massive 177-run lead. (UNI)
