WI vs BAN 1st Test, Day 3: Mominul, Jaker help Bangladesh avoid follow on

West Indies maintained firm control over the first Test against Bangladesh at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, despite a gritty effort from the visitors to avoid the follow-on.

At stumps on Day 3, Bangladesh were 269/9, trailing by 181 runs, thanks to crucial contributions from Mominul Haque and Jaker Ali.

Resuming the day at 40/2, Bangladesh faced relentless pressure from the West Indies’ disciplined bowling attack on a slow surface. Alzarri Joseph (3/69), Jayden Seales (2/42), and allrounder Justin Greaves (2/34) spearheaded the attack, keeping the visitors on the back foot throughout the day.

Mominul Haque anchored the innings early, scoring a patient 50 off 116 balls. He forged valuable partnerships with Shahadat Hossain (18) and Litton Das (40), who added 45 and 62 runs, respectively. However, Mominul fell immediately after reaching his 21st Test half-century, trapped lbw by Seales.

Jaker Ali, batting at No. 7, played a crucial knock of 53 off 85 balls, his second consecutive Test fifty. He combined with Taijul Islam (25) for a 68-run seventh-wicket stand that pushed Bangladesh past the follow-on mark in the final hour of the day.

The West Indies attack consistently exploited the slow pitch, applying pressure with disciplined lines and hostile spells. Joseph was particularly aggressive late in the day, targeting Taskin Ahmed with bouncers under fading light, leading to verbal exchanges between the players.

Greaves, continuing his memorable Test debut after scoring a maiden century in the first innings, delivered with the ball, claiming career-best figures. Taskin Ahmed (11*) and Shoriful Islam (5*) held their ground in the final overs as bad light brought an early end to the day’s play.

Speaking after the day’s play, Alzarri Joseph said, “The pitch was a bit slow, but we bowled well as a unit. We have a lead of 181, so tomorrow we’ll aim to wrap up the last wicket quickly and extend our advantage.”

With West Indies holding a commanding lead, the onus remains on their bowlers to clean up the Bangladesh innings early on Day 4 and set a daunting target. For Bangladesh, the task will be to limit further damage and mount a spirited defense in the fourth innings.