Bangladesh finished a rain-affected opening day of the first Test against the West Indies in Kingston on 69 for 2, with Shadman Islam unbeaten on 50 and Shahadat Hossain on 12, despite a shaky start and some poor fielding from the visitors.
The match, originally scheduled to start at 10 am local time, was delayed by five hours due to a wet outfield at Sabina Park. Play finally began at 3 pm, with only 30 overs possible on the truncated day. Bangladesh, after being asked to bat first by West Indies’ captain Kraigg Brathwaite, endured an early collapse, losing two wickets within the first half-hour.
Kemar Roach, in particular, caused Bangladesh’s early troubles, removing Mahmudul Hasan Joy for just two. Joy, attempting to push at a delivery from Roach, was caught behind by wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva in a fine diving effort. Roach struck again shortly afterward, dismissing Mominul Haque for a duck, as the left-handed batter edged a delivery that swung back into him. The wicket was Roach’s 50th against Bangladesh, marking a personal milestone for the veteran fast bowler.
At 10 for 2, Bangladesh seemed vulnerable, but their innings stabilised thanks to an unbroken 59-run partnership between Shadman and Shahadat. Shadman, who faced 100 balls, was particularly watchful and played some confident shots, striking three fours and a six. Shahadat, though more circumspect, managed to get a couple of boundaries in his 39-ball stay.
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However, West Indies’ fielding let them down at crucial moments. Alick Athanaze missed a chance at first slip when Shadman drove a ball on 15, and then, captain Brathwaite himself dropped Shadman on 35 at cover. The most comical moment came when Jayden Seales induced an edge from Shahadat at eight, but the ball popped out of Athanaze’s hands and went to Kavem Hodge at first slip. Hodge couldn’t hold onto the rebound, and the ball fell just out of reach of Athanaze as he scrambled to retrieve it.
The slow outfield, dampened by the rain earlier in the day, also hindered run-scoring, as several of Bangladesh’s shots that would normally have gone to the boundary stopped just short. Despite these challenges, Bangladesh’s pair of Shadman and Shahadat dug in and added vital runs, ensuring the visitors didn’t capitalize further on the early breakthroughs.
At the close of play, Bangladesh were in a relatively strong position, having weathered the early storm to reach 69 for 2. Roach’s two-wicket haul was the highlight for the West Indies, but their inability to support their bowlers with sharp fielding left them with much to reflect on going into the second day.
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The day was a reminder of how fragile the balance between bat and ball can be, with West Indies’ missed chances likely to haunt them if Bangladesh capitalise on the opportunities they’ve been given.
