Shadman lifts Bangladesh on day-1

Opener keeps the hosts afloat with unbeaten 99 against West Indies

Shadman Islam struck a brilliant 99 not out as Bangladesh reached 213-3 against the West Indies on the opening day of the first Test, with bad light bringing an early end to play at Dhaka on Wednesday.

Left-handed opener remained unbeaten on 99 off 219 balls, clobbering ten fours, to anchor Bangladesh's innings after they elected to bat, with Litton Das on ten at the other end at stumps.

Shadman shared a 50-run fourth-wicket partnership with Towhid Hridoy, who scored 42 before retiring hurt at 198-3 after facing 84 deliveries, including three boundaries.

Bangladesh progressed cautiously against a disciplined West Indies’ attack, reaching 96-2 at lunch and 177-3 at tea before bad light interrupted play in the final session.

The hosts lost opener Tanzid Hasan (7) early, held by Justin Greaves off Jayden Seales, before Shadman and Mominul Haque steadied the innings.

Mominul made 28 from 51 balls, hitting two fours, before being caught by Shamar Joseph off Jomel Warrican at 68-2.

Shadman reached his fiftyfrom 95 deliveries, helping Bangladesh move past 100 in 31.1 overs.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto added 19 before being trapped lbw by Jomel Warrican for the third wicket at 110-3. A West Indies review of the decision was unsuccessful.

Shadman then found a steady partner in Hridoy, who helped rebuild the innings with a measured knock. Their stand carried Bangladesh beyond 150 and towards 200 before Hridoy left the field retired hurt.

Shadman survived another West Indies review for a possible dismissal at 61.2 overs, with the on-field decision upheld.

The opener moved to 96 before bad light halted play at 207-3 after 70 overs. He edged closer to his century in the remaining overs, reaching 99 as Bangladesh finished on 213-3 after 74 overs.

Warrican was the West Indies' most successful bowler, taking 2-33 from 14 overs, while Seales claimed 1-14 in an economical eight-over spell that included three maidens.

Joshua Bishop bowled 19 overs and conceded 50 runs without taking a wicket, while Roston Chase gave away 53 runs in 13 overs.

Bangladesh will look to build on their solid start on the second day, with Shadman poised to complete his century and Litton set to resume alongside him.