1st Test Played at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua, West Indies 
West Indies 1st Innings 
250 /5 in 84 Overs (Mikyle Louis 97, Alick Athanaze 90, Joshua De Silva 14*, Justin Greaves 11*, Taskin Ahmed 2/46, Mehedi Miraj 1/47, Taijul Islam 1/67) 

Put into bat after losing the toss, West Indies riding on two well crafted half centuries by rookies Louis (97) and Athanaze 90 grinded to 250/5 at stumps on day one. 

Bangladesh struck early blows removing captain Brathwaite and Keacy Cartiy early as Taskin struck blows. They were also lucky having Kavem Hodge run out. West Indians Louis and Athanaze batting with extreme care sewed a great 4th wicket partnership of 140. The two youngsters failed to control nerves and nervous nineties and fell successively to Miraj and Taijul. 

Bangladesh bounced back restricting home team to 250/5 at stumps. Given the state of the match and composition of the teams’ match is still wide open. The team that fairs well in the first session of today will assume control.

We are not sure what led the stand in captain Mehedi Miraj opting to bat. Batting being the Achilles Heels of the Bangladesh team could have done better batting under stress free condition. The wicket had some early lateral movement but got easier as the match progressed. Bangladesh pacers bowled smartly in the first session keeping the West Indian honest. 

After losing the first two wickets cheaply Caribbeans grinded and grafted. Taskin had a probing first spell. Bangladesh bowlers could not press on in the post lunch session letting Louis and Athanaze consolidate. However, in the third session Mehedi and Taijul using their experience prized out both Louis and Athanaze depriving both of maiden centuries. The home team eventually reached 250/5. Both teams can feel that they are still in the game. Bangladesh must try and restrict West Indies below 300 and then bat sensibly to stay in the hunt. Litton and Mominul must shoulder the team as batting look thin and inexperienced in the absence of Mushfique and Shanto. 

West Indies has a reasonably strong bowling attack. The direction of the match can be guessed by stumps of day two. Let us hope that the two bottom teams will do their best making it a great contest. Bangladesh must salvage some pride. 

BDST: 1348 HRS, NOV 23, 2024
SMS