Sports reporter:
Kavem Hodge smashed a scintillating century to put
West Indies in a dominating position in the second and final cricket Test
against Bangladesh today as the visitors moved closer to series sweep at
Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
Hodge’s unbeaten 140, complemented by half-centuries from Kevin Wickham (78)
and opener Brandon King (61), propelled West Indies to 345-3 at stumps on Day
4, extending their overall lead to 315 runs.
With just one day remaining, West Indies are firmly in control of the contest
and well placed to set Bangladesh a daunting target in the fourth innings.
From this point, West Indies in fact remain the only team in a position to
push for a victory.
Bangladesh bowlers struggled to make an impact throughout the day after West
Indies resumed their second innings at 7 without loss, looking to build on
the 30-run deficit from the first innings.
King and Joshua Da Silva put on 85 runs for the opening wicket before left-
arm spinner Taijul Islam broke through, trapping Da Silva leg-before for 36.
King, meanwhile, continued his fluent batting, reaching his sixth Test half-
century before falling to off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz after making 61. His
84-ball knock featured 10 fours and a six.
The two quick wickets gave Bangladesh a brief opportunity to put the visitors
under pressure through spin. However, Hodge and debutant Wickham quickly took
control, using their feet effectively to sweep the spinners with precision.
The pair added 131 runs for the third wicket, taking West Indies into a
commanding position.
Wickham, who scored 61 in the first innings, registered his second half-
century of the match on debut, reaching the landmark off 68 balls with a
boundary through extra cover.
He looked set for a maiden Test century but fell for 78 when he casually
chipped a Taijul delivery straight back to the bowler.
Taijul finished the day with 2-118, while Bangladesh’s other bowlers found it
difficult to contain the West Indies batters.
Hodge, however, remained untroubled and continued his attacking approach to
bring up his third Test century off 142 balls, sweeping Taijul towards square
leg for a single.
He was unbeaten on 140 at stumps, while Amir Jangoo, who scored a century in
the first innings, was batting on 20.
The day’s play was eventually called off due to bad light, leaving Bangladesh
with a formidable challenge heading into the final day.
Earlier, Hasan Mahmud claimed 6-90 to bowl West Indies out for 356 in their
first innings. Bangladesh responded with 386, securing a crucial 30-run lead,
largely thanks to Towhid Hridoy monumental 242 not out.
