Bangladesh put up a resilient display in the second Test held in Sylhet, successfully salvaging a draw from the jaws of defeat against West Indies. The turnaround was largely fueled by Towhid Hridoy and the experienced core of the batting lineup. Although West Indies secured the two-match series 1-0 by virtue of their eight-wicket victory in the opening encounter, the final match ended in a hard-fought stalemate that showcased immense character from the hosts turned visitors contextually.
Towhid Hridoy Steers the Run Chase Amid Early Setbacks
Chasing a daunting target of 369 runs for victory in the fourth innings, Bangladesh experienced a shaky start before fading light brought an early end to the day's play with the score at 184 for four. Opening batsman Tanzid Hasan Tamim was caught after scoring 21 runs, while captain Najmul Hossain Shanto fell leg-before-wicket to Jomel Warrican for 14. Slipping into trouble at 40 for two, Bangladesh found stability when Hridoy combined with veteran batsman Mushfiqur Rahim to forge a vital 135-run partnership for the third wicket, frustrating the West Indian bowling attack throughout the second session.
Mushfiqur Rahim Crosses a Milestone as West Indies Declares
The resistance was eventually broken in the final session when left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican dismissed Hridoy, who had earlier recorded a magnificent, unbeaten 242-run double century in the first innings to become the first Bangladeshi batsman to score a double ton and a half-century in the same Test match. Warrican finished with impressive figures of three wickets for 44 runs. Shortly after, fast bowler Shamar Joseph removed Mushfiqur Rahim. During this knock, Rahim etched his name in the record books by becoming the first Bangladeshi batsman to complete 7,000 runs in Test cricket. When stumps were drawn due to bad light, Litton Das on 7 and Mehidy Hasan on 1 not out were at the crease.
First Innings Summary and Bowling Contributions
Earlier in the match, West Indies posted 356 runs in their first innings, to which Bangladesh responded with 386, securing a slim 30-run lead. Resuming their second innings on the final day at 345 for three, West Indies declared at 398 for six, setting up the challenging run chase of 369 runs in approximately two and a half sessions. For the Caribbean side, Kaveem Hodge added only two runs to his overnight score before being dismissed for 142. Aamer Jangoo, who scored 133 in the first innings, remained unbeaten on 39. Bangladesh's spin trio of Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, and Mehidy Hasan shared the bowling honors evenly by picking up two wickets each.
