Shadman’s Century Fails to Halt Bangladesh Collapse as West Indies Take Control in Mirpur

Bangladesh's promising start on the opening day of the first Test against West Indies unravelled quickly on the second morning at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, leaving the hosts all out for 272 and West Indies in a commanding position by the close of play.

Resuming at 213 for 3, the Bangladesh batting line-up looked set to build a substantial total. Shadman Islam, who had remained unbeaten on 99 overnight after a disciplined knock, completed his third Test century early in the session. However, the joy was short-lived. Once the opener was dismissed, the middle and lower order folded with alarming speed. Bangladesh lost seven wickets for just 59 runs in the morning session, a collapse that completely shifted the momentum of the contest.

Towhid Hridoy, who had earlier retired hurt, returned only to fall quickly, while the remaining batters struggled to negotiate the combination of accurate seam and sharp spin. The total of 272 was well below what the hosts would have targeted after their strong position at the end of day one.

West Indies spinner Jomel Warrican was the standout performer with the ball. The left-arm spinner claimed five wickets, registering his fourth five-wicket haul in Test cricket and consistently troubling the Bangladesh batters with flight and turn. Debutant Joshua Bishop also contributed effectively, forming a productive partnership with Warrican that dismantled the home side's resistance.

In reply, West Indies batted with greater composure. They reached 134 for 4 by the time bad light forced an early end to proceedings, trailing Bangladesh by 138 runs with six wickets remaining. John Campbell struck a fluent half-century, playing with positive intent and putting the Bangladesh bowlers under pressure. Tagenarine Chanderpaul, known for his ability to occupy the crease, was unbeaten on 43 at stumps and looked well set.

Bangladesh's spinners did manage a late fightback. Taijul Islam struck twice in a single over to remove Kavem Hodge and Amir Jangoo in quick succession, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz accounted for Campbell. These breakthroughs briefly brought the hosts back into the contest, but the unbroken partnership between Chanderpaul and Justin Greaves ensured West Indies finished the day in a stronger position.

The surface at Mirpur has already shown signs of assisting spin, and it is expected to deteriorate further over the remaining three days. Bangladesh will need to strike early with the new ball and then rely heavily on their spinners to restrict West Indies and prevent a significant first-innings lead. For the visitors, the priority will be to bat with discipline, extend their innings, and build a commanding total that puts pressure on the Bangladesh batting line-up in the second innings.

With the World Test Championship points at stake and both teams looking to establish control in the series, day three promises to be crucial. A strong performance from either the Bangladesh spinners or the West Indies middle order could decide the direction of the match. Fans following the Bangladesh vs West Indies Test will be watching closely as the contest heads into its third day in Dhaka.