Tigers eye victory in 2nd Test to avoid Windies sweep

The match is scheduled to begin at 9:30am.

The hosts suffered an eight-wicket defeat in the opening Test in Dhaka, dealing a major blow to their ambition of making significant progress in the World Test Championship (WTC).

A victory in Sylhet would not only help Bangladesh draw the series but also restore their confidence ahead of the upcoming away series against South Africa.

Bangladesh's strategy of relying on spin to beat West Indies suffered a major setback in the Dhaka Test, with the visitors' spinners outsmarting their counterparts in almost every department. The strategy also raised questions, particularly given the recent resurgence of Bangladesh's pace attack, whose bowlers have increasingly established themselves as match-winners across conditions.

Bangladesh are now highly likely to move away from their spin-heavy approach and opt for a more sporting surface in Sylhet in a bid to level the series.

The Sylhet venue traditionally offers assistance to fast bowlers early in the match before bringing spinners into play on the fourth and fifth days.

Bangladesh have played six Tests at this venue, winning and losing three each. Two of those defeats came against Zimbabwe, in 2018 and 2025. However, Bangladesh secured convincing victories over Pakistan and Ireland in their last two Tests at this ground.
 
One of Taskin Ahmed and local boy Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury could come into the playing XI at the expense of a spinner.

With Mominul Haque ruled out after suffering a head injury, Bangladesh have also received a boost with veteran Mushfiqur Rahim likely to return after missing the first Test due to injury.

Amite Hasan, who was called up as Mominul's replacement, is also in contention for a place in the playing XI following some outstanding performances in the ongoing National Cricket League (NCL). He struck a double century and followed it up with a 94-run knock in his last two first-class innings.

Having recently played an NCL match at the Sylhet venue, Amite described the surface as a sporting wicket. He also noted that some grass remained on the pitch, suggesting it could offer assistance to fast bowlers.

"There is still some grass on the wicket. I don't know how it will be after one or two days," he said.

"The NCL and international matches are completely different. But I will try to show my credentials if I get a chance to play the Test."

The two sides have faced each other in 11 Test series, excluding the ongoing contest. Bangladesh have won two series, in 2009 and 2018, while West Indies have claimed eight, with one ending in a draw.

In 23 Tests between the teams, including the opening match of this series, Bangladesh have won five and lost 16, while two ended in draws. West Indies also won their most recent Test series in Bangladesh, sweeping the two-match contest in 2021.

Once a dominant force in world cricket, West Indies have endured a prolonged decline, punctuated by occasional flashes of brilliance. However, they have shown signs of a revival this year, remaining unbeaten in bilateral series.
 
West Indies batting coach Floyd Reifer has urged his side to maintain that consistency and complete a series whitewash against Bangladesh.

The Sylhet Test will also be West Indies' final match in the current WTC cycle, making a victory an important target as they look to finish their campaign on a positive note.

"It's important that we be consistent and we pick performances. Yes, we played well in Dhaka, but it's important that we come here and play well again. You know, this next game starts from zero," Reifer said.

"You know, you have a first innings and a second innings in the game. We still have to go through all the processes that we went through in terms of how we started the innings and how we built the innings, understanding when we're in control of the innings and building on it," he added.

Squad:
Bangladesh: Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Taskin Ahmed, Jaker Ali Anik, Liton Das, Mominul Haque, Nayeem Hasan, Tanzid Hasan Tamim, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, Tawhid Hridoy, Shadman Islam, Shoriful Islam, Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mushfiqur Rahim, Amite Hasan.

West Indies: Roston Chase (c), Jomel Warrican (vc), Joshua Bishop, John Campbell, Tagenarine Chanderpaul, Joshua Da Silva, Justin Greaves, Kavem Hodge, Amir Jangoo, Shamar Joseph, Brandon King, Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach, Jayden Seales, Kevin Wickham, reports BSS.