|| CF DESK ||

Bangladesh avoided the follow-on thanks to a resilient knock from Jaker Ali on Day 3 of the first Test against West Indies at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. At stumps on Sunday, Bangladesh reached 269 for 9, trailing by 181 runs in their first innings.

Despite promising starts, none of Bangladesh’s batters could convert their innings into big scores. The Tigers added 85 runs in the first session, 60 in the second, and 104 in the final session of the day.

The day began positively for Mominul Haque and Shahadat Hossain Dipu, who extended their partnership by 26 runs before Shahadat departed for 18, caught at slip off Kemar Roach after facing 71 deliveries.

Mominul then partnered with Litton Das for a solid 62-run stand. Mominul brought up his half-century after lunch but fell immediately after, trapped LBW by Jayden Seales while attempting a flick.

He scored 50 off 116 balls, including three boundaries. During his innings, Mominul became the third Bangladeshi to cross 10,000 first-class runs, finishing the day with 10,005 runs at an average of 39.7.

Litton contributed with 40 runs from 76 balls but was bowled by Alzarri Joseph while trying to pull a short delivery. Captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz added 23 runs before also falling to Joseph, who utilized a sharp bouncer to dismiss him.

The highlight of Bangladesh's innings was a crucial 68-run partnership between Jaker and Taijul Islam. Jaker brought up his half-century before being dismissed for 53 off 89 balls, featuring four boundaries. Taijul, who scored 25 off 36 balls with three fours, was bowled by Joseph shortly after.

In the closing stages, Taskin Ahmed (11*) and Shariful Islam (5*) provided some resistance, ensuring Bangladesh avoided the follow-on. The day's play ended prematurely due to bad light.