Mahmudullah the star as Bangladesh storm to dominant position

VIEW MATCH CENTRE

Mahmudullah, with a marathon knock of 136 from 242 deliveries, was the lynchpin in the hosts' batting unit. The right-hander fell as the final wicket of the Bangladesh innings, but not before he steered his team past the 500-run mark.

The Windies, with half their side back in the hut, have dug themselves into a massive muddle two days into the game. Kraigg Brathwaite, Kieran Powell, Shai Hope, Sunil Ambris and Roston Chase were all out bowled, with Shimron Hetmyer and Shane Dowrich holding fort ahead of the third day.

Earlier in the day, Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah added 42 runs to their overnight stand of 69 to take their partnership past the three-figure mark. The Windies got their first wicket of the day when the Bangladesh skipper was caught by Hope off Kemar Roach for a well-made 80, reducing the hosts to 301/6.

However, any chance of the visitors getting back into the game was dispelled as Liton Das, who replaced Shakib at the crease, added 92 runs with Mahmudullah for the seventh wicket.

The right-hander, who was left out of the hosts' squad for the first Test, vindicated his selection with a 62-ball 54, smashing eight fours and a six in his attacking innings. Das fell in the fourth over after lunch after the woodwork behind him was disturbed by a slow and skiddy delivery from the Windies captain Brathwaite.

Mehidy Hasan (18), Taijul Islam (26) and Nayeem Hasan (12*) made contributions down the order, amassing 56 runs between them to provide invaluable support to Madmudullah, who looked assertive at the crease. Their effort enabled the hosts to post an overwhelming total in the first innings, putting Bangladesh in the driver's seat in the encounter.

While the Windies bowlers maintained discipline and consistency, they lacked the inspiration to break down the home side's resistance. Four out of their six bowlers claimed two wickets, while the other two claimed a wicket apiece.

The Windies batted for 24 overs in the final session and their batting innings reflected how the day became increasingly frustrating for them as it progressed. They lost Brathwaite almost immediately to a six-ball duck, before Powell, his opening partner, returned to the pavilion with a six-ball 4.

Ambris fell soon thereafter, as Shakib clinched his second scalp of the day to reduce the Windies to 17/3. Chase then followed suit, as he was dismissed off the very first delivery he faced, returning to the hut with a golden duck.

Trouble continued to mount for the visitors as they lost their one of their best batsmen – Shai Hope – after a 30-ball tussle at the crease. Mehidy Hasan, with figures of 3/36, was the pick of the bowlers. Bangladesh will want him to continue along the same lines on the third day.

As for the visitors, a lot will depend on the pair of Hetymer and Dowrich, who have exhibited resilience and consistency in the middle order over the past couple of months. Another strong show will be needed if Windies are to claim a foothold in the game, and attempt to earn a series-levelling victory.