Batting collapse leaves Bangladesh on brink of defeat after Taskin’s six-wicket haul

|| CF DESK ||

Taskin Ahmed’s brilliant bowling raised hopes for Bangladesh, as he restricted West Indies to just over 150 runs in their second innings. Despite keeping the target manageable, the batters squandered the opportunity with yet another batting failure, leaving the team in deep trouble at the end of the fourth day of the first Test in Antigua.

On Monday at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Bangladesh finished the day at 109 for 7, still trailing by 225 runs.

Earlier in the morning, the visitors declared their first innings at 269 for 9, 181 runs behind the West Indies. The bowlers then responded brilliantly, bowling the hosts out for 152 in their second innings. However, the batters failed to capitalize on their bowlers' efforts in the chase of 334 runs.

The collapse began in the very first over when Zakir Hasan dragged a Kemar Roach delivery onto his stumps, departing for a duck. His opening partner, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, didn’t fare much better, edging a wide delivery from Jayden Seales to third slip after scoring just six off ten balls.

Shahadat Hossain continued his poor form, struggling from the outset before being caught behind off a sharp in-swinger from Roach. Though the on-field umpire initially turned down the appeal, West Indies successfully overturned the decision via review. Shahadat departed for 4 off 22 balls.

Mominul Haque, who scored a fifty in the first innings, also failed to deliver. Despite being dropped twice on consecutive deliveries, the experienced batter ultimately gave a return catch to Roach after scoring 11 off 36 balls. His discomfort at the crease was evident from the beginning.

With four wickets down for just 23 runs, skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Litton Das steadied the innings briefly, adding 36 runs. However, Litton’s aggressive approach proved costly, as he attempted a big shot off Alzarri Joseph and was caught at deep square leg after scoring 22 off 18 balls.

Miraz then forged a 43-run partnership with Zakir Ali to offer some hope, playing a counter-attacking innings.

He struck five boundaries and a six in his 45 off 46 balls before falling to a sharp catch by Joshua Da Silva off a wide delivery from Seales. Shortly after, Seales bowled Taijul Islam to claim his third wicket.

Zakir Ali remained unbeaten on 15, with Hasan Mahmud yet to open his account at stumps.

Bangladesh now faces an uphill task to avoid defeat, needing 225 runs with just three wickets in hand as the final day looms.