KINGSTON, JAMAICA — In a stunning display of precision and persistence, Nahid Rana claimed his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket to seize control for Bangladesh in the second Test at Sabina Park on Monday.
Rana’s 5-61 spearheaded a remarkable West Indies collapse, leaving the visitors firmly in command by stumps on Day Three.
The West Indies, who began the day with a promising 70 for one, crumbled under Rana’s relentless assault to a paltry 146. Bangladesh capitalized on the slim first-innings lead with an authoritative batting display, reaching 193 for five and stretching their overall advantage to a commanding 211 runs.
As the home side faces the daunting prospect of a record-breaking chase—surpassing the 212 they chased successfully against Sri Lanka in 2003—Rana’s brilliance looms large over a beleaguered West Indies line-up.
West Indies’ promising start dissolves under Rana’s firepower
The morning session began with hope for the hosts, as captain Kraigg Brathwaite and Keacy Carty extended their second-wicket partnership to 60. However, Rana swiftly shattered their momentum.
A searing 142 kph delivery cramped Brathwaite, forcing an awkward fend to gully, where substitute fielder Zakir Hasan took a diving catch to dismiss the skipper for 39. This wicket sparked a cascade of dismissals as Rana’s lethal inswingers and clever variations dismantled the West Indies batting order.
Rana’s brilliance was complemented by stellar efforts from Taskin Ahmed, Taijul Islam, and Hasan Mahmud, each chipping in to leave the home team reeling. Despite Carty’s gritty 40, the West Indies capitulated, losing nine wickets for just 61 runs.
Rana fittingly ended the innings with an lbw dismissal of Kemar Roach, whose injury from a short-pitched delivery earlier in the day raised concerns for the hosts.
Bangladesh build on lead with counter-attacking resolve
Despite early jitters when Jayden Seales dismissed Mahmudul Hasan Joy for a duck, Bangladesh’s top order responded with aggression and composure. Shadman Islam and Shahadat Hossain added a brisk 47-run stand, with Hossain’s audacious strokeplay briefly dominating proceedings.
Hossain’s aggression proved costly, as he skied an attempted pull off Alzarri Joseph, leaving Bangladesh at 47 for two. Shadman, however, anchored the innings with a composed 47, supported ably by captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who contributed a steady 42.
The hosts found brief solace as Shamar Joseph and Justin Greaves claimed key wickets, but Bangladesh’s middle order stood firm. Litton Das (25) and Jaker Ali added a valuable 41-run partnership, tightening their grip on the match.
Roach’s injury clouds West Indies’ challenges
Adding to the West Indies’ woes, Kemar Roach’s availability remains uncertain. While X-rays cleared him of fractures, his reduced effectiveness after sustaining a shoulder injury casts doubt over the team’s ability to mount a comeback.
With Bangladesh holding a commanding lead and their tail yet to wag, the Windies face a herculean task heading into the penultimate day. Sabina Park’s record chase beckons, but Rana’s historic spell and the visitors’ steely resolve have placed them firmly in the driver’s seat.
