Bangladesh rely on Mominul and Litton after early setbacks
With seven wickets in hand, Bangladesh will need significant contributions from their middle and lower order to avoid conceding a large first-innings deficit.
Bangladesh ended the morning session on the third day of the first Test against the West Indies in Antigua at 105 for 3, with Mominul Haque and Litton Das holding firm after Shahadat Hossain Dipu's dismissal.
The visitors face an uphill battle to respond to the West Indies' imposing first-innings total of 450 for 9 declared.
The day began with Bangladesh resuming on a disappointing note, still reeling from the previous day's struggles.
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Despite a promising start from Dipu and Mominul, the former fell to Kemar Roach, leaving the responsibility of stabilising the innings on the shoulders of Mominul and Litton.
Dipu, returning to the playing XI after a lengthy absence, looked composed early on but couldn't build on his start. He scored 18 runs from 71 deliveries before edging a delivery outside the off stump to slip.
Roach's consistent line outside the off stump forced the mistake, breaking the partnership and bringing Litton Das to the crease.
Litton, one of Bangladesh's most reliable batters, joined Mominul, and the pair began to rebuild the innings.
Despite early pressure from the West Indies bowlers, they managed to take the team to lunch without further damage.
At one point, the West Indies opted for a review for an LBW decision against Litton, but the decision was overturned, allowing the partnership to continue.
Earlier in the match, Bangladesh had endured a tough time with both bat and ball.
On the second day, the West Indies declared their first innings after piling up 450 runs for the loss of nine wickets. Although Hasan Mahmud gave the visitors some hope in the morning session with two early wickets, the rest of the bowling attack failed to make significant inroads.
The West Indies' commanding total left Bangladesh under pressure, and their top order struggled in response.
Both openers fell cheaply before the close of play on the second day, leaving Mominul and Dipu to begin the fightback on the third morning.
As the session ended, the experienced duo of Mominul and Litton provided a semblance of stability, though the task ahead remains daunting.
