Bangladesh recovered from the brink of an embarrassing collapse to post a total of 169 runs in their first innings against the West Indies, largely thanks to a career-best performance from Nayeem Hasan. Lower-order resilience transformed what threatened to be a disastrous display into a competitive total on a challenging Antigua pitch, as Nayeem celebrated his maiden test half-century.
Resuming the day at a precarious 79 for 6 after 29 overs, Bangladesh faced an uphill battle to avoid a complete capitulation. The morning session got off to the worst possible start when reliable batter Jaker Ali was dismissed in the very first over of the day. Jaker, who had joined the action as a concussion substitute for Mominul Haque after Mominul sustained a blow to the head, failed to add to his overnight score. He offered a slip catch to Jomel Warrican after scoring 22 off 34 balls.
The lower order appeared set to crumble quickly as Warrican trapped Hassan Mahmud lbw for 8 off 31 deliveries. West Indies captain Roston Chase then removed Taijul Islam in identical fashion for 8 off 16 balls.
Despite the wickets falling around him, Nayeem held the innings together with remarkable composure. Showing impressive patience and selective shot selection, the right-handed off-spinner shepherded the tailenders and stitched together crucial small partnerships. Fortune also favoured the brave batter during his stay at the crease; West Indies grassed two catches off his bat when he was on 21 and 29.
Nayeem made the hosts pay dearly for those dropped chances. He pressed on to record his highest individual score in Test cricket, completing a milestone first half-century with determined strokeplay. His stubborn resistance finally came to an end when he mistimed a lofted shot off Chase, offering a simple catch to long-on.
Chase was the standout performer with the ball for the West Indies, finishing with impressive figures of 5 for 36 from 15.4 overs. It marked the fifth five-wicket haul of his Test career. Left-arm spinner Warrican provided excellent support, taking three wickets to restrict the visitors.
While a total of 169 leaves the West Indies in a strong position, Nayeem’s gutsy knock ensured his side had runs on the board to spark a fightback with their own bowling attack.
