Bangladesh deny Louis- Athanaze ton as WI post 250 for 5 at stumps

|| CF DESK ||

The West Indies suffered a double blow as both Mikhayal Louis and Alick Athanaze fell short of their centuries, giving Bangladesh a glimmer of hope on the second day of the opening Test in Antigua.

The hosts posted 250 for 5 at stumps.

Louis, who looked set to reach his first Test hundred, was dismissed for 97. After surviving a tough chance on 90 off Mehidy Hasan Miraz, the opener seemed to be under pressure.

Attempting to clear the boundary for his century, Louis charged down the track against Miraz but mistimed his shot. The ball took the edge of his bat and was safely pouched by Shahadat Hossain at slip.

Louis's valiant knock of 97 came off 218 balls, featuring one six and nine fours. His innings, the highest of his career so far, surpassed his previous best of 57. His dismissal ended a marathon 140-run stand off 221 balls with Alick Athanaze, leaving the West Indies at 226-4 after 75 overs.

Just four runs later, the West Indies suffered another major setback when Athanaze was dismissed for 90. Attempting to scoop Taijul Islam's delivery outside off stump, Athanaze’s shot lacked pace and went high off the bat, offering a straightforward catch to Litton Das. Athanaze's 90 came off 130 balls, with 10 fours and one six.

Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam delivered a tight opening spell, keeping the West Indies openers under pressure. Their discipline was rewarded when Taskin Ahmed entered the attack in the eighth over and made an immediate impact.

Taskin’s fiery spell illuminated the first session as Bangladesh reduced the hosts to 25-2. Taskin first dismissed West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite for a 38-ball 4, using a sharp delivery that nipped back and struck the batter’s thigh.

Brathwaite’s review confirmed the ball was hitting the stumps, handing Taskin his first wicket. Taskin struck again shortly after, removing Keacy Carty for a duck. The right-hander’s leading edge off a length delivery found Taijul at mid-on.

After the early setbacks, Louis and Kevlon Hodge began to rebuild. Louis cautiously reached his fifty with solid support from Hodge, but their 59-run stand ended in unfortunate fashion. Hodge was run out for 25 following a brilliant throw from Taijul, as Litton Das completed the dismissal despite a desperate dive from Hodge.

Following Hodge’s departure at 84-3, Louis and Athanaze ensured no further damage in the second session. The duo steadily pushed the score to triple figures, with Louis showing maturity in dealing with the disciplined bowling from Taskin, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Taijul.

The West Indies scored 66 runs in 31 overs during the post-lunch session, losing just one wicket.