Taijul Islam led Bangladesh’s charge with a six-wicket haul, using his arm ball with plenty of success as Bangladesh beat West Indies by 64 runs in the first Test in Chattogram. Taijul’s performance was sandwiched by Shakib Al Hasan taking the first two wickets - which also made him the first from his country to 200 Test wickets - and Mehidy Hasan Miraz also taking two to round out a superb performance by the spinners.
Jomel Warrican and Sunil Ambris put up some staunch resistance with a 63-run ninth-wicket stand. It first prevented West Indies from being bowled out for less than 100 for the first time in an away Test since 2000, and later even raised visions of a come from behind win. However, the partnership ended when Mehidy got Warrican to top-edge a drive that was taken by Shakib, running back from midwicket.
Taijul finished up the game with Ambris’ wicket, although the batsman was unlucky to be adjudged caught behind, with replays showing no spike on Ultra Edge when the ball went past his bat. Despite the iffy decision that ended Ambris’ innings on 43 after more than two hours at the crease, the result was just reward for a side that picked four spinners heading into this Test. Debutant Nayeem Hasan had five in the first innings, while Taijul finished with seven in the game. Shakib took five wickets while Mehidy had three, meaning all 20 wickets for Bangladesh were taken by the spinners.
The post-lunch session began with much vigour for the visitors even though they were reeling at 11 for four. Shimron Hetmyer renewed his first innings mood by going after the Bangladesh spinners. He struck Shakib for two fours and a six, all straight but one pulled and two driven, off consecutive balls in the seventh over. But his approach lasted till the 11th over when he holed out at mid-off to Mehidy, having made 27 off 19 balls.
Shane Dowrich, who made an unbeaten 63 in the first innings, was rushed into his back foot by Taijul’s arm-ball, and was trapped plumb in front. Dowrich’s review was, predictably, struck down. The Taijul delivery that got Devendra Bishoo out first had drifted away to tempt the drive but then pitched and sharply turning back to hit the stumps.
Taijul’s five-for was completed when Kemar Roach couldn’t bring down his bat fast enough, and was given out lbw through Bangladesh’s review after umpire Richard Illingworth had given it not out at first.
Scores: Bangladesh: 324 and 125 (Mahmudullah 31, Bishoo 4-26, Chase 3-18)
West Indies: 246 and 139 (Ambris 43, Warrican 41, Taijul 6-33)