A brilliant bowling display from Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph helped the West Indies gain a foothold in the second Test against Bangladesh, as they reduced the visitors to a modest 164 all out on the second day of the match at Sabina Park.
Seales, in particular, was outstanding, finishing with remarkable figures of 15.5-10-5-4, the most economical figures in Test cricket since 1977 (minimum 60 balls). His spell, which included three wickets in a fiery burst after lunch, was instrumental in Bangladesh’s dramatic collapse from a promising 83 for 2 to 98 for 6. With four wickets in total, Seales played a key role in dismissing the Bangladeshi side cheaply, setting the stage for West Indies’ reply.
The Bangladesh innings began solidly, with Shadman Islam (64) and Shahadat Hossain (22) sharing a crucial 73-run partnership. However, Shamar Joseph broke the stand by bowling Hossain out, and soon after, he accounted for Jaker Ali, who was caught behind off a short ball. The West Indies then struck again, with Shamar removing Shadman Islam, who edged to the slips, leaving Bangladesh in deep trouble at 98 for 6.
Seales joined the fray by claiming Litton Das’ wicket for just 1, and the collapse continued. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam briefly held firm, frustrating the West Indies with a 41-run partnership. However, Alzarri Joseph’s persistent short-ball tactics eventually paid off, with Taijul caught at third slip after fending off a bouncer.
Seales then took over, finishing the Bangladesh innings in style. He had Taskin Ahmed caught behind off a short delivery, followed by Mehidy top-edging a hook to fine leg. Seales wrapped things up by sending Nahid Rana’s stumps flying, leaving Bangladesh all out for just 164.
In response, West Indies faced a tricky period before stumps. Opening batsman Mikyle Louis was dismissed early for 12, caught behind off Rana, as Bangladesh’s seamers maintained pressure with tight, disciplined bowling. However, Kraigg Brathwaite (33*) and Keacy Carty (17*) steadied the ship, taking the team to 70 for 1 at the close of play. Despite the best efforts of Bangladesh’s bowlers, including Rana and Taijul, the West Indies duo kept them at bay, with Brathwaite in particular showing composure in the face of tough conditions.
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After two days of play, the West Indies trail Bangladesh by 94 runs, with nine wickets in hand and the game finely poised. The third day promises more drama as both teams will look to build on their respective strengths in what has been an enthralling contest so far.
Bangladesh 164 all out (Shadman 64, Mehidy 36, Seales 4-5, Shamar 3-49)
West Indies 70 for 1 (Brathwaite 33, Rana 1-28)*
West Indies trail by 94 runs
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