Bowlers put WI ahead against Bangladesh on Day 2

Greenwatch Desk Cricket 2024-12-02, 9:33am

West Indies bowlers, led by a sensational performance from Jayden Seales, put their team in control on Day 2 of the second Test against Bangladesh at Sabina Park. Seales delivered an extraordinary spell, finishing with figures of 15.5-10-5-4, the most economical in Test cricket since 1977 (minimum 60 balls), as Bangladesh were bowled out for 164.

In response, West Indies reached 70 for 1 at stumps, with Kraigg Brathwaite and Keacy Carty steadying the innings after the early loss of Mikyle Louis. Bad light halted play early for the second day in a row.

Bangladesh's innings crumbled after a promising start, thanks to Shamar Joseph’s early breakthroughs. From 83 for 2, they collapsed to 98 for 6 within 34 balls, with Shamar claiming three of the four wickets to fall during the slide.

Shamar dismissed Shahadat Hossain for 22, ending a 73-run partnership with Shadman Islam. He then had Jaker Ali caught behind and removed Shadman with an outside edge to the keeper. Meanwhile, Seales dismissed Litton Das for just 1.

After lunch, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam resisted the short-ball barrage from Shamar and Alzarri Joseph, adding a gritty 41 runs off 116 balls. However, Taijul eventually fended a short ball to third slip off Alzarri.

Seales cleaned up the tail, claiming three wickets for just five runs. Taskin Ahmed edged a short ball to second slip via a deflection off Joshua Da Silva. Mehidy top-edged a hook to fine leg, and Nahid Rana was bowled by a superb delivery that uprooted his leg stump.

In their reply, West Indies faced disciplined bowling from the Bangladesh seamers. Nahid Rana, clocking speeds over 150kph, dismissed Louis for 12. Taijul Islam kept the pressure on with seven maidens in his ten overs but failed to secure a wicket.

Despite Bangladesh’s efforts, Brathwaite and Carty ensured no further damage, leaving West Indies in a strong position heading into Day 3.