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Bangladesh made an impressive start in the second and final Test against West Indies at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Thursday, with fast bowlers Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud striking early to put the visitors under pressure.
West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first, but their decision quickly came under pressure as Bangladesh’s pace attack produced an excellent opening spell.
Taskin provided the breakthrough in the fifth over, clean-bowling opener Brandon King for nine runs with a superb delivery. West Indies lost their first wicket at 13.
Hasan Mahmud struck in the following over, dismissing Kavem Hodge for a duck. Unable to read the swing, Hodge left the delivery alone, only to see his stumps shattered.
The early breakthroughs left West Indies struggling at 14 for two, giving Bangladesh a promising start in the crucial encounter.
The match is particularly important for Bangladesh, who are seeking to level the two-match series after losing the opening Test in Dhaka by eight wickets.
Bangladesh made two changes to their playing XI, bringing back experienced batter Mushfiqur Rahim after recovering from a finger injury and including Taskin Ahmed in place of Shoriful Islam.
Mushfiqur’s return is expected to strengthen the batting line-up, while Taskin’s inclusion has added pace to the bowling attack.
Bangladesh are under pressure to win the Sylhet Test to avoid a series defeat at home and regain confidence ahead of their upcoming tour of South Africa.
West Indies, meanwhile, will be looking to maintain their advantage and secure the series with another victory.
The second Test began at 9:30am local time on Thursday.
