At the close of the second day of the Antigua Test, Bangladesh found themselves in deep trouble, reaching 40 for 2 in reply to the West Indies' commanding first-innings total of 450/9d.
Bad light forced an early stumps, leaving the Tigers trailing by a massive 410 runs and under significant pressure to mount a resilient comeback.
Mominul Haque (7*) and Shahadat Hossain (10*) remained unbeaten, trying to steady the innings after the early dismissals of Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Zakir Hasan.
Bangladesh’s openers faltered under pressure. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was dismissed for 5, while Zakir Hasan managed 15 before falling shortly after. Reduced to 26 for two, Bangladesh faced a daunting task.
Despite cautious resistance from Mominul and Shahadat, the Tigers are in a precarious position, needing an extraordinary effort to avoid falling further behind in the match.
Earlier, WI started the day at 250 for five, in a strong position.
Hasan Mahmud gave Bangladesh a dream start, striking in the first over to remove Joshua Da Silva for 24, adding just 10 runs to his overnight score. Hasan struck again shortly after, dismissing Alzarri Joseph for 4. At 261 for seven, Bangladesh sensed an opportunity to gain control.
However, Justin Greaves, who resumed on 11, played a resilient knock to anchor the hosts’ innings. He found an able partner in Kemar Roach, and together, they frustrated Bangladesh's bowlers. Greaves brought up his half-century in 88 balls, showing patience and grit, while Roach contributed a vital 18 off 25 balls. The duo added 140 runs for the eighth wicket, turning the tide in West Indies' favor.
Greaves’ innings gained authority as he reached a maiden Test century off 181 balls. When Roach fell at 438, the partnership had already inflicted significant damage. Greaves remained unbeaten on 115 as West Indies declared their innings late in the final session.
Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Hasan Mahmud, worked hard but failed to sustain their momentum against a resilient lower order.
Bd-Pratidin English/ARK
