Bangladesh found themselves under pressure again after a batting collapse in their second innings on the third day of the Mirpur Test against the West Indies. Despite securing a 27-run first-innings lead, the hosts lost six wickets for just 79 runs in their second innings. However, an unbeaten partnership between Zakir Ali Anik and Nayeem Hasan helped Bangladesh reach the end of the day's play with an overall lead of 106 runs.
At stumps on Friday (October 30) at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Zakir was unbeaten on 18 off 32 balls, while Nayeem had scored 18 from 30 deliveries.
Bangladesh went into the tea interval after building a 34-run fourth-wicket partnership. However, the hosts suffered further setbacks immediately after the break. Litton Das was dismissed by Roston Chase for four off 10 balls. Chase then removed Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who managed just nine runs from 32 deliveries.
Bangladesh had already lost an early wicket when Shamar Joseph forced Tanzid Hasan to edge a delivery to the slips, where West Indies captain Roston Chase took the catch. Tanzid, who scored seven in the first innings, was dismissed for a duck in the second.
Chase then bowled Shadman Islam to put Bangladesh in further trouble. Shadman, who had scored a century in the first innings, managed only 13 runs this time.
The Caribbean captain continued to dominate, dismissing both Litton and Miraz with his spin. He claimed three wickets within his first 10 balls of the innings. Jomel Warrican later added to Bangladesh's troubles by taking two more wickets.
Amid the procession of wickets, Zakir and Nayeem offered some resistance with an unbeaten partnership, adding valuable runs towards the end of the day.
Play was eventually called off nearly an hour before the scheduled time due to bad light.
Earlier, West Indies were bowled out for 245 in reply to Bangladesh's first-innings total of 272, giving the hosts a 27-run advantage.
Tevin Imlach?
The West Indies batting effort was led by Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who scored 56. John Campbell contributed 54, while Justin Greaves added 46. Captain Roston Chase remained unbeaten on 43.
For Bangladesh, Nayeem Hasan was the standout bowler, taking four wickets for 33 runs. The spinner has also played an important role with the bat in the second innings by remaining at the crease during a difficult period.
In the West Indies' bowling attack, Chase claimed three wickets for 25 runs, while Warrican took two for 19. Shamar Joseph picked up one wicket.
Bangladesh will look to extend their lead significantly on the fourth day to put themselves in a stronger position. The West Indies, meanwhile, will aim to restrict the target and chase down the required runs to secure victory. The next day's play is expected to be crucial in determining the direction of the match.
