Shadman Islam came within a run of his third Test century but had to settle for an unbeaten 99 as bad light brought an early end to the opening day of the first Test between Bangladesh and West Indies in Mirpur on Wednesday.
Bangladesh finished on 213/3 after 74 overs, with Litton Das on 10 not out off 28 balls alongside Shadman, who faced 224 deliveries and hit eight boundaries. Play had already been interrupted for around 50 minutes in the third session because of bad light before the umpires called it off after checking the light meter.
Shadman held Bangladesh’s innings together after the hosts elected to bat, sharing a 59-run stand with Mominul Haque for the second wicket and an 88-run partnership with Towhid Hridoy for the fourth. He was unbeaten on 42 at lunch and moved to 79 by tea, with Bangladesh at 177 for three.
Mominul made 28 off 51 balls before attempting to loft left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican over mid-off, only to be caught by Shamar Joseph. His dismissal came after he reached 11,000 first-class runs, becoming the third Bangladeshi to achieve the milestone after Tushar Imran and Naeem Islam.
Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto was the other batter dismissed in the second session, trapped lbw by Warrican for 19 off 42 balls while attempting a paddle sweep. West Indies captain Roston Chase reviewed the not-out decision, and ball-tracking showed the delivery clipping the middle and leg stumps.
Hridoy then helped Shadman keep the innings moving before retiring hurt on 42 off 84 balls with pain in his left leg below the knee. He was carried off on a stretcher after taking a single off Joshua Bishop in the 66th over.
He had earlier received treatment from the team physiotherapist after lying down beside the pitch, with cramps suspected in the hot conditions.
Hridoy’s departure brought Litton to the crease, and the pair saw Bangladesh through to 207/3 after 70 overs.
Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican took two wickets, while Jayden Seales claimed the other wicket for West Indies.
