Shadman Islam shines with unbeaten 99 as Bangladesh

Shadman Islam delivered a strong batting performance, scoring an unbeaten 99 to guide Bangladesh to 213-3 on the opening day of the first Test against West Indies in Mirpur on Wednesday.

The left-handed opener struck 10 boundaries in his 219-ball innings, narrowly missing his third Test century as bad light brought an early end to the day’s play after 74 overs. Litton Das remained unbeaten on 10.

Towhid Hridoy contributed 42 before retiring hurt due to cramps, sharing an important 88-run partnership with Shadman to steady Bangladesh’s innings.

West Indies made an early breakthrough when Jayden Seales dismissed Tanzid Hasan for nine. Mominul Haque scored 28 before falling to Jomel Warrican, who later removed Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto for 19.

Shadman reached his half-century off 95 deliveries and built a solid partnership with Hridoy, who replaced the injured Mushfiqur Rahim. Bangladesh finished the afternoon session at 177-3 before Hridoy was forced off the field.

Warrican was West Indies’ leading bowler, finishing the day with figures of 2-33. Play was eventually abandoned due to poor light after a brief resumption.

Bangladesh will look to build on their solid start when play resumes on the second day.