Siddiki’s century leads Bangladesh XI’s batting onslaught against West Indies

Kalam Siddiki struck a commanding century and received substantial support from Jishan Alam and Chowdhury Rizwan as the Bangladesh Cricket Board XI took firm control of the opening day of its two-day warm-up match against the West Indies on Thursday.

Siddiki’s 135 from 184 deliveries anchored the home side’s imposing total of 371 for seven from 90 overs at Anvir Cricket Stadium after the West Indies elected to field.

Alam contributed 86 from 100 balls, while Rizwan added a measured 59 off 106 deliveries, ensuring that the Bangladesh XI finished the day firmly on top ahead of the West Indies’ response Friday morning.

Early breakthrough fails to slow Bangladesh

The West Indies made the start they wanted when fast bowler Jayden Seales trapped Mahfijul Islam lbw for four, but the early success did little to disrupt the hosts’ progress.

Alam took charge alongside Iftakhar Ifti, with the pair putting together a 75-run partnership for the second wicket to lift Bangladesh to 80 for one.

Spinner Jomel Warrican eventually broke the stand by dismissing Ifti for 18, but the West Indies were unable to build on that breakthrough. Siddiki joined Alam and helped add another 62 runs, keeping the Bangladesh XI in a strong position.

Alam’s innings ended at 86 when left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop bowled him with the score at 142 for three. By then, however, the hosts had established a solid platform for a substantial first-innings total.

Siddiki anchors the innings

Siddiki continued to dictate the tempo as Bangladesh rebuilt through successive partnerships.

He combined with captain Jaker Ali, who scored 30, before developing another productive stand with Rizwan. Their contributions pushed the total to 315 for four and left the West Indies attack searching for a way to stem the flow of runs.

Off-spinner Kevin Wickham eventually ended Siddiki’s innings by bowling the centurion, but the dismissal came too late to prevent him from setting the tone for the day.

Rizwan then ensured that the momentum did not fade, receiving aggressive support from Shamim Hossain, who struck 35 from just 30 balls. Hossain’s counterattack included six fours and a six, adding urgency to the Bangladesh innings during the closing stages.

The home side finished on 371 for seven, a total built on Siddiki’s long stay at the crease and the contributions of a batting lineup that repeatedly recovered whenever the West Indies made a breakthrough.

Hodge leads Windies bowling effort

Kavem Hodge was the most economical of the West Indies bowlers to claim multiple wickets, finishing with two for 34. Bishop also took two wickets, but conceded 87 runs as Bangladesh maintained its scoring pressure.

Seales and Warrican provided the other breakthroughs, while the West Indies struggled to prevent the home side from converting promising positions into substantial partnerships.

With both teams agreeing to bat for 90 overs, the West Indies will now have their opportunity to test their batting against the Bangladesh attack when their innings begins on the second morning.

After a challenging day in the field, the visitors will be looking for a solid response at the crease as they continue their preparations in Dhaka.