Cricket: Edwards duo lifts West Indies

Fidel’s five-for, Kirk’s ton puts Bangladesh on the back foot in second Test.

DHAKA: Fidel Edwards grabbed five quick wickets and Kirk Edwards cracked an impressive 121 to help the West Indies gain the upper hand in the series-deciding second Test against Bangladesh.

Fast-bowler Edwards finished with five for 58 for his 11th five-wicket haul as the West Indies reduced Bangladesh to 204 for seven in their first-innings at stumps after posting 355 on the second day.

Shakib Al Hasan, who also bagged five wickets with his left-arm spin, defied the West Indies’ attack with a 74-ball 73 with the help of nine fours before being bowled by leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo.

Bangladesh were reeling at 59 for five following Fidel Edwards’ five-wicket burst in just 29 deliveries, before being steadied by Shakib, who put on 84 for the sixth wicket with Naeem Islam (45).

The hosts now trail by 151 runs with just three wickets in hand. Nasir Hossain was unbeaten on 34 and debutant Suhrawadi Shuvo on two not out.

Earlier, Kirk Edwards completed his second century in three Tests as the tourists added 102 runs to their overnight total of 253 for five.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 31^st,  2011.