Shadman’s unbeaten knock anchors Bangladesh on day one
The opener gives Bangladesh a solid platform after West Indies made early inroads.
Bangladesh ended the opening day of the first ICC World Test Championship against West Indies in a strong position at 213/3, with Shadman Islam unbeaten on 99 after holding the innings together through a challenging day for the batters in Mirpur.
West Indies made an encouraging start after Bangladesh elected to bat. With disciplined lines, good seam movement and variable bounce troubling the top order, Jayden Seales provided the early breakthrough when Tanzid Hasan edged a delivery outside off stump to Justin Greaves at slip, departing for seven.
Shadman remained composed amid the early pressure, finding boundaries when the bowlers strayed into his hitting areas. Mominul Haque (28), however, fell after stepping out to Jomel Warrican and hitting the ball straight to mid-off.
Shadman brought up his 10th Test half-century in the 35th over, reaching the milestone with a single off Seales. He continued to build his innings patiently, punishing loose deliveries while negotiating the threat posed by the West Indies attack.
Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto looked positive before Warrican nabbed his second wicket. Attempting a paddle sweep, Shanto missed the delivery and was trapped LBW for 19, with a successful review overturning the on-field decision.
Towhid Hridoy joined Shadman and added impetus to the innings. Playing his first Test since his debut in Harare in July, Hridoy showed positive intent, striking boundaries and helping Bangladesh.
The pair took Bangladesh to tea at 177/3, having added an unbroken 67-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Shadman was unbeaten on 79, while Hridoy had scored 36.
The final session began promisingly for the home side, but Hridoy (batting on 42) was forced to leave the field on a stretcher after suffering calf cramps in the scorching heat.
Shadman continued to bat with assurance, moving into the nineties as Bangladesh looked to build on their position. Bad light then brought play to a halt for around 50 minutes. The players returned, only for play to be interrupted again after just four overs.
Shadman will resume on the brink of a century on Day 2, with Bangladesh looking to turn a promising start into a substantial first-innings total.