NEW DELHI: West Indies moved closer to victory in the first Test in Antigua on Monday, with Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales claiming three wickets each, leaving Bangladesh struggling at 109-7 in their second innings before bad light halted play.
Bangladesh face a daunting task on Tuesday’s final day, requiring 225 more runs with only three wickets remaining in their pursuit of 334.
Bangladesh’s chase began disastrously when Roach dismissed Zakir Hasan, who inside-edged onto his stumps in the first over. The situation worsened as Seales had Mahmudul Hasan Joy caught by Justin Greaves, followed by Roach removing both Shahadat Hossain and Mominul Haque, reducing Bangladesh to 23-4.
Despite Litton Das attempting to stabilise the innings, he fell to Shamar Joseph for 22, despite Joseph having four catches dropped off his bowling. Bangladesh found themselves in serious trouble at 59-5.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz launched a counter-offensive, scoring a quick 45 from 46 deliveries before edging to Joshua Da Silva off Seales. The same bowler then dismissed Taijul Islam, finishing with figures of 3-31.
Roach ended with impressive figures of 3-20.
Earlier, Bangladesh made an unexpected declaration at their overnight score of 269-9, despite trailing by 181 runs.
West Indies aimed to increase their lead rapidly but were dismissed for 152, with Alick Athanaze contributing 42.
Taskin Ahmed excelled with the ball, securing his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket with figures of 6-64.
