Bangladesh’s late strikes halt West Indies momentum on opening day

West Indies ended the first day of the Antigua Test at 250 for 5, a score that reflected a day of shifting fortunes.

After losing two early wickets to Taskin Ahmed, the hosts rallied through a resilient partnership between Mikkail Lewis and Alick Athanaze.

Both came agonisingly close to centuries, but late strikes by Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz brought Bangladesh back into the contest, leaving the match finely poised.

Batting first at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, West Indies found themselves in early trouble after Taskin Ahmed struck twice in quick succession.

Kraigg Brathwaite, attempting to anchor the innings, was trapped lbw for 4 off 38 deliveries. Taskin then removed Keacy Carty for a duck, caught by Taijul Islam, reducing the hosts to 25 for 2.

With the top order dismantled, Mikhail Lewis and Kavem Hodge came together to rebuild the innings. The pair added 59 runs, patiently weathering disciplined bowling from the Bangladeshi attack.

However, the partnership was broken when Hodge was run out for 25 off 63 balls, attempting a second run. West Indies went into the tea interval on 116 for 3, with Lewis holding firm at one end.

The third session brought mixed fortunes for both sides. Bangladesh's pacers struggled to find breakthroughs, allowing Lewis and Alick Athanaze to dominate proceedings. Lewis appeared set for a memorable century, and Athanaze supported him ably, showing intent against spin and pace alike. The duo added 140 runs for the fourth wicket, frustrating the visitors.

Bangladesh's fielding, however, left much to be desired. Mehidy Hasan Miraz dropped a straightforward catch off Lewis in the slips when the batter was just three runs short of a century.

But Miraz redeemed himself shortly after, as Lewis attempted an aggressive shot and edged it to Shahadat Hossain Dipu in the slips, falling agonisingly short of his hundred with 97 runs off 218 balls.

Soon after, Athanaze departed for 90 off 130 deliveries, caught behind off Taijul Islam. His dismissal left the West Indies at 228 for 5, bringing some relief to the Bangladesh camp after enduring a long period of toil.

Joshua Da Silva and Justin Greaves then saw off the remaining overs without further damage, closing the day at 250 for 5. Taskin Ahmed finished as the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh with two wickets, while Taijul and Miraz claimed a wicket each.

As the second day looms, both teams will look to take control of the match.

For Bangladesh, early wickets will be crucial, while West Indies will aim to push their total closer to the 400-run mark. The match remains finely balanced, setting the stage for an intriguing battle ahead.