Bangladesh strike back on day one of second Test

Hosts snare quick wickets after West Indies batsmen shine.

DHAKA:

Bangladesh’s spinners grabbed two quick wickets with the second new ball to leave the second and final Test against the West Indies evenly poised after the opening day.

West Indies were strongly placed at 226 for three before reaching 253 for five in their first-innings at stumps, with Kirk Edwards unbeaten on an impressive 71 and Marlon Samuels 16 not out. Off-spinner Nasir Hossain, who shared the new ball, struck a vital blow when he had Shivnarine Chanderpaul (18) caught behind before left-arm spinner Shakibal Hasan bowled nightwatchman Kemar Roach for six.

Bangladesh batsman Shahriar Nafees believed that the match is poised for an exciting battle.

“The match is in a very exciting position and anyone can gain the upper hand,” he said. “They started well, but at the end of the day we fought back.”

West Indies looked set to capitalise after winning the toss as they batted steadily for more than two sessions, with Kieran Powell (72) and Kraigg Brathwaite (50) scoring maiden Test half-centuries.

“It’s a proud moment for me as it’s my first half-century,” said Powell of his achievement. “We still have two very capable batsmen at the crease. If Samuels and Edwards start well tomorrow, we will be in a good position.”

Edwards continued to defy the Bangladeshi attack and reached his half-century in the last session when he swept Shuvo for four and then hit Nasir over long-on for six.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2011.