Play continues on the third day of the Antigua Test, where Bangladesh is facing a challenging response to West Indies’ commanding first-innings total of 450. Bangladesh’s batting line-up has struggled, and after the first session today, they lost Shahadat Hossain Dipu before heading into the lunch break. Post-lunch, two set batsmen, Mominul Haque and Litton Das, were dismissed in quick succession, leaving Bangladesh with a tough task ahead. Mominul, however, did manage to score a half-century in the first innings today.
By the time tea was taken on day three, Bangladesh’s score stood at 165/5 in 68 overs, still 285 runs behind the West Indies
first innings total. Mehedi Hasan Miraz, the Bangladesh captain, was batting on 22, while Zakir Ali Anik had made 5 runs. The two had formed a partnership worth 20 runs as the session progressed. In total, Bangladesh had added 60 runs during this period, but they also lost two crucial wickets in the process, facing 23 overs in the session.
Mominul Haque and Litton Das had been the key contributors in the session before tea. Both had batted confidently before and after the lunch break. Mominul, in particular, was looking in solid touch, having reached a well-played half-century off 115 balls. However, his promising knock was cut short as he was dismissed immediately after reaching his fifty. Mominul’s dismissal broke the 62-run partnership between him and Litton, a vital stand that had given Bangladesh hope.
The very next over, Litton Das, who had also looked comfortable at the crease, fell to a short delivery from Shamarh Brooks. Litton attempted to cut the ball but edged it onto his stumps, sending him back to the pavilion for 40. Bangladesh’s fifth wicket fell, and the team found itself in further trouble.
At this point, Bangladesh’s captain Mehedi Hasan Miraz, along with Zakir Ali Anik, walked out to the crease to try to stabilize the innings. The two managed to see out the remaining overs of the session without any further wickets falling, and Bangladesh reached tea without any more damage.
Despite the losses of Mominul and Litton, the pair’s solid contributions had given Bangladesh some hope in what had been a difficult day. Mominul’s half-century was a positive sign for the team, as he had struggled with form in previous matches. His dismissal, however, alongside Litton’s, set Bangladesh back further, leaving them with much to do to stay competitive in this Test match.
In the first session of the day, Bangladesh’s batting line-up had already taken a hit when Shahadat Hossain Dipu was dismissed. His wicket came just before lunch, adding to Bangladesh’s woes as they continued to face an uphill battle against a dominant West Indies side. With the top order already under pressure, Bangladesh’s middle order, led by captain Mehedi, would need to rally if they were to avoid a collapse.
At tea, with Bangladesh’s score at 165/5, the task ahead was clear. With Mehedi Hasan Miraz at the crease, and Zakir Ali Anik still in, the two would need to put up a fight to avoid further wickets falling. The partnership between Mehedi and Zakir had already been valuable, as they added 20 runs in the session without giving up a wicket. If they could continue to bat patiently and accumulate runs in the upcoming sessions, Bangladesh might still have a chance to challenge West Indies.
However, the West Indies bowlers, led by Shamarh Brooks, were in excellent form. The short ball strategy had worked effectively for them, getting rid of both Mominul and Litton in quick succession. They will likely continue to apply pressure on the Bangladesh lower order in the final stages of day three.
For Bangladesh, the key will be the resilience of their remaining batsmen. Mehedi Hasan Miraz, a seasoned campaigner, will have to lead from the front, guiding his team through the difficult moments. Zakir Ali Anik, on the other hand, will need to dig in and support his captain to build a partnership that can push Bangladesh closer to the West Indies’ total.
As Bangladesh resumes play after tea, the focus will be on whether they can hold firm against the West Indies attack or if they will succumb to further wickets and a large deficit. The next few hours will be critical in determining the outcome of the game, as Bangladesh looks to avoid a collapse and make a respectable chase of West Indies’ 450.
In summary, while Bangladesh had a challenging session on day three, there were still some bright spots, such as Mominul’s half-century and the steady batting of Mehedi and Zakir after the tea break. The team will need to continue fighting if they are to get back into the game, but with a long way to go, they must dig deep and focus on building partnerships in the face of adversity. The West Indies, meanwhile, will look to press home their advantage and take quick wickets to push Bangladesh to the brink of defeat.