Bangladesh made a steady start to the first Test against West Indies at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka on October 28. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the hosts recovered from an early wicket to reach 213/3 at stumps on Day 1, with Shadman Islam anchoring the innings with a patient knock.
The left-handed opener batted throughout the day and remained unbeaten on 99 off 219 deliveries. However, deteriorating light conditions prevented him from completing his century before play was called off. Litton Das was unbeaten on 10 at the other end as Bangladesh prepared to resume their innings on Day 2.
Shadman Islam anchors Bangladesh innings after early setbacks
Bangladesh lost opener Tanzid Hasan for seven in the seventh over after Jayden Seales provided West Indies with an early breakthrough. Shadman then joined Mominul Haque to steady the innings, with the pair adding 59 runs for the second wicket. Mominul scored 28 before becoming Jomel Warrican’s first victim, with Shamar Joseph taking the catch.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also fell to Warrican after making 19 off 42 deliveries, leaving Bangladesh at 110/3. Shadman continued to hold one end together and found support from Towhid Hridoy. The pair added 88 runs for the fourth wicket before Hridoy was forced to retire hurt after scoring 42 off 84 balls. Their partnership helped Bangladesh recover from the loss of their captain and move towards a competitive first-innings total.
Bad light brings Day 1 to an early close
Litton joined Shadman after Hridoy’s departure, and the pair guided Bangladesh through the final session without losing another wicket. Shadman moved closer to his century as the hosts crossed the 200-run mark. However, worsening visibility forced the umpires to check the light conditions, and play was eventually called off after 74 overs.
Bangladesh finished the day at 213/3, with Shadman stranded on 99 not out and Litton unbeaten on 10. Warrican was the leading bowler for West Indies, finishing with figures of 2/33 from 14 overs. Seales claimed the remaining wicket and conceded just 14 runs in his spell. Bangladesh will look to build on their solid position when play resumes on Day 2, with Shadman needing just one run to reach his century.
