Bangladesh Collapse Leaves Windies Close to Antigua Win

The West Indies' pace duo, Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales, spearheaded the demolition job, sharing six wickets between them. Roach's mastery of swing and Seales’ raw pace ensured that Bangladesh’s batting woes persisted, marking another chapter in their year of underwhelming performances.

Earlier in the day, the West Indies were bowled out for just 152 in their second innings, squandering a commanding first-innings total of 450 for 9. Taskin Ahmed was the standout performer for Bangladesh, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in Tests with impressive figures of 6 for 64. Despite Taskin's heroics, Bangladesh's surprise declaration on the fourth morning, still 181 runs behind, proved costly as their batting lineup collapsed under pressure.

A Familiar Tale of Failure
Bangladesh's chase began disastrously. Zakir Hasan chopped onto his stumps off Roach, while Mahmudul Hasan Joy fell at third slip to Seales in an almost identical fashion to his first-innings dismissal. Roach then delivered a peach of a delivery to Shahadat Hossain, who edged it to Joshua Da Silva off an inside edge, leaving Bangladesh reeling.

Shamar Joseph’s luckless start to the day saw him have two catches dropped in quick succession—Mominul Haque spilled one at gully, and Da Silva fumbled a leg-side chance. However, Roach ensured Mominul couldn’t capitalize, snapping up a brilliant caught-and-bowled opportunity to send him packing.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz offered some resistance, countering the short-ball barrage with grit and attacking strokes. His 45 off 46 balls, laced with five boundaries and a six, gave Bangladesh a glimmer of hope before Seales dismissed him with a sharp delivery, brilliantly caught behind by Da Silva.

Seales struck again to clean bowl Taijul Islam, leaving Bangladesh's lower order exposed. The visitors’ inability to handle pressure further emphasized their batting frailties.

West Indies Fight Back Despite Taskin’s Brilliance
The day had started with Bangladesh’s bowlers mounting an inspiring fightback. Taskin Ahmed led the charge with impeccable line and length, removing Mikyle Louis and Keacy Carty in quick succession. His spell also accounted for the scalps of Kraigg Brathwaite and Justin Greaves, as the West Indies slumped to 73 for 5.

However, the hosts’ lower order, led by Alzarri Joseph and Joshua Da Silva, mounted a counterattack. Joseph’s aggression against Taskin and Taijul, coupled with Da Silva’s clean striking—including a six straight down the ground—added vital runs. Taskin eventually claimed his fifth wicket, yorking Shamar to cap a stellar bowling performance, and Mehidy Hasan wrapped up the innings with a stunning diving catch to dismiss Roach.

Looking Ahead
Despite their bowlers’ exceptional efforts, Bangladesh’s lack of application with the bat left them on the brink of another defeat. The West Indies need just three wickets on the final day to seal the win, while Bangladesh require a miracle to avoid an all-too-familiar collapse.