The West Indies are on the brink of victory against Bangladesh in the first Test in Antigua, with the visitors struggling at 109-7 in their second innings, chasing a target of 334 runs. Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales each took three wickets, leaving Bangladesh in deep trouble. Despite an early declaration at 269-9, Bangladesh’s batting faltered against strong West Indies bowling, with Taskin Ahmed achieving six wickets for 64 runs.
On Monday, the West Indies moved within striking distance of victory in the first Test against Bangladesh in Antigua, concluding the fourth day with Bangladesh at 109-7 in their second innings, chasing a target of 334 runs. Fast bowlers Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales excelled with three wickets each, leaving the visitors needing 225 runs with only three wickets remaining and the threat of bad light looming.
Bangladesh faced an uphill battle after dismissing the West Indies for 152 in their second innings. Roach initiated the collapse by bowling opener Zakir Hasan early, followed by a string of dismissals that saw Bangladesh faltering at 23-4. A brief recovery was orchestrated by Litton Das, but after his dismissal, captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s counter-attack was cut short by Seales. The day ended with the visitors in crisis, still significantly behind their target.
In a surprising turn, Bangladesh declared their first innings at 269-9, trailing the West Indies by 181 runs. The home side attempted to capitalize on their lead but struggled to capitalize fully, leading to their dismissal for 152 runs, with Alick Athanaze being the top scorer at 42. Taskin Ahmed’s outstanding performance, claiming 6 wickets for 64 runs, earned him his inaugural five-wicket haul in Test cricket.
The first Test match between the West Indies and Bangladesh has generated significant interest due to the fluctuating fortunes of both teams. The match commenced with Bangladesh aiming to build on their established reputation in test cricket, while the West Indies sought to assert their dominance on home soil. The competitive dynamics were highlighted by the performances of key bowlers, which could ultimately determine the outcome as both teams navigate through challenging match conditions.
In summary, the West Indies are on the verge of a crucial victory in the first Test against Bangladesh, leading by a substantial margin with just one day left in play. The exceptional bowling by Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales has placed Bangladesh in a precarious situation, needing to overcome a significant deficit with limited resources. This match underscores the unpredictable nature of Test cricket, where fortunes can change rapidly based on individual performances and team strategies.
Original Source: www.barrons.com
