Dhaka, Feb 3 (UNB): It was a circumspect start for Bangladesh in the first Test of their two-match series against West Indies as they posted 242/5 at stumps on day one at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram on Wednesday.
Most of the dismissed batsmen of the hosts managed solid starts but failed to carry on. Despite that, Shadman Islam, who hit his second fifty in the format, hopes Bangladesh will post a big total at the end of their first innings.
“I tried to stay firm on my plan,” Shadman told the broadcaster at the end of day’s play. “I think we can score a big total. We need a few big partnerships to do so. Shakib and Liton batted well.”
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first but they failed to manage a good start as Tamim Iqbal fell prey to Kemar Roach early in the morning. The ODI captain of Bangladesh posted 9.
Shadman and Najmul Hossain started to build a good partnership, but Najmul was trapped run-out while attempting a risky two. Najmul posted 25 on the board.
In the first session, Bangladesh scored 69 losing two wickets. They also lost two more wickets in the second innings and both of them— Mominul Haque (25) and Shadman Islam (59)— fell prey to Jomel Warrican.
The left-handed spinner also removed Mushfiqur Rahim for 38 in the final session of the day.
In the unbroken sixth wicket stand, Shakib Al Hasan and Liton Das added 49 runs by the close of play and both of them were unbeaten scoring 39 and 34 respectively.
For West Indies, Jomel bagged three, conceding 58 runs in 24 overs while Roach bagged one.
With this Test, Shakib is making his comeback to this format after serving a ban imposed by the ICC.
Ahead of the Test series, Bangladesh completed a clean sweep over the tourists in a three-match ODI series. However, the West Indies have a more experienced side in this format than they had in the shorter version.
Brief score after day one:
Bangladesh 242/5, in 90 overs (Shadman 59, Shakib 39, Mushfiqur 38); Jomel 3/58, Roach 1/44
