Tigers look to end dismal run in second Test

Bangladesh will aim to end their dismal run in Test cricket when they face the West Indies in the second and final Test on Saturday.

The match, set to begin at 9 PM Bangladesh Time, offers the Tigers a chance to salvage pride after a string of disappointing results in the longer format.

Bangladesh, affectionately known as the Tigers, have struggled to roar since their historic series victory against Pakistan earlier this year. Following that landmark achievement, they slumped to series defeats against India and South Africa, and more recently suffered a crushing 201-run loss in the first Test against the West Indies.

In all five of these Tests, Bangladesh's batting has been the Achilles' heel, consistently failing to complement the efforts of their bowlers. The opening Test in Antigua was no exception, with Taskin Ahmed's career-best 6 for 64 and some solid bowling performances undone by a faltering batting display.

Stand-in Skipper Optimistic

Mehidy Hasan Miraz, leading the side in the absence of regular captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (out due to a groin injury), acknowledged the batting frailties but remained optimistic.

"I think we made a few mistakes, but that can happen," said Miraz. "We hope to come back strongly in the next match. We've identified the areas where we went wrong and are focused on fixing those mistakes to make a stronger showing in this Test."

Miraz also praised the bowlers, particularly Taskin Ahmed, for their consistent performances, both at home and overseas.

"Our pacers have been brilliant. Taskin, Hasan [Mahmud], and Shoriful [Islam] bowled well, and Taijul [Islam] was excellent in the first innings. I'm pleased with their efforts."

History Against the Tigers

Bangladesh's last Test series win in the Caribbean came in 2009, though it was against a second-string West Indies side amidst a players' dispute with their board. Overall, in 21 Tests between the two sides, the West Indies have dominated, winning 15, while Bangladesh have emerged victorious on four occasions.

Adding to their challenge, the Tigers are without experienced players Mushfiqur Rahim and Shanto, forcing them to field a relatively young side. The team management is expected to make at least one change, with Nahid Rana likely to replace Shoriful Islam in the playing XI.

Bangladesh probable playing XI: Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Litton Das (WK), Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Captain), Shahadat Hossain Dipu, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Taskin Ahmed, Hasan Mahmud.

West Indies probable playing XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Joshua Da Silva (WK), Alick Athanaze, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Jomel Warrican