Shadman Islam Nears Century as Bangladesh Ends Day One Strong Against West Indies

Bangladesh's Strong Start in First Test

Mirpur [Bangladesh], October 28: On the opening day of the first Test in the ICC World Test Championship, Bangladesh's Shadman Islam finished the day not out on 99, leading his team to a score of 213/3.

Choosing to bat first, Shadman played a pivotal role, skillfully navigating the West Indies' disciplined bowling attack and helping his team recover from early challenges. He will return on Day 2 just one run shy of his century, as Bangladesh aims to set a solid first-innings total.

The West Indies started positively, utilizing seam movement and variable bounce to challenge Bangladesh's top order. Jayden Seales struck first, dismissing Tanzid Hasan for seven after he edged a delivery to Justin Greaves at slip.

Shadman maintained his composure at the crease, rotating the strike effectively and punishing loose deliveries. Mominul Haque, who contributed 28 runs, attempted to accelerate the scoring but fell to Jomel Warrican while trying to step out, hitting straight to mid-off.

Shadman reached his 10th Test half-century in the 35th over, achieving the milestone with a single off Seales. He continued to build runs steadily, helping Bangladesh regain control of the match.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also showed intent but couldn't convert his start into a significant score. Warrican took his second wicket when Shanto, attempting a paddle sweep, missed and was given out leg-before-wicket for 19 after a successful review by the West Indies.

Towhid Hridoy joined Shadman and helped stabilize the innings. In his first Test since debuting in Harare in July, Hridoy played aggressively, finding boundaries and putting pressure back on the West Indies bowlers.

The duo guided Bangladesh to tea at 177/3, with an unbroken partnership of 67 runs for the fourth wicket. Shadman was on 79, while Hridoy had contributed 36.

Hridoy, who had moved to 42, had to leave the field on a stretcher due to calf cramps in the intense heat, disrupting Bangladesh's momentum in the final session.

Shadman continued to bat with focus and determination, inching closer to his century as the hosts aimed to solidify their position. However, bad light interrupted play for about 50 minutes. After a brief resumption, play was halted again after just four overs, concluding the day's play.

Bangladesh will resume on Day 2 at 213/3, with Shadman on 99, looking to convert their promising start into a commanding first-innings total.

The second Test of the series is set to take place in Sylhet from November 5 to 9.