West Indies gained the advantage on the third day of the first Test against Bangladesh at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur. After conceding a first-innings lead of 27 runs, the visitors reduced Bangladesh to 79 for 6 before bad light ended play on Friday. The hosts led by 106 runs, with four wickets remaining, following a significant reversal in the match’s direction.

Bangladesh restrict West Indies for 245 as Nayeem Hasan takes 4 wickets

Resuming at 134 for 4 in reply to Bangladesh’s 272, West Indies relied on Tagenarine Chanderpaul to consolidate their innings. The opener scored 56 from 184 deliveries, registering his third Test half-century. Justin Greaves contributed 46, joining Chanderpaul in a fifth-wicket partnership of 65. Their stand provided important resistance during the morning session and narrowed Bangladesh’s advantage before the hosts regained control.

Shoriful Islam dismissed Chanderpaul to break the partnership, while off-spinner Nayeem Hasan led Bangladesh’s subsequent progress through the lower order. Nayeem finished with figures of 4 for 33, supported by breakthroughs from Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. West Indies were dismissed for 245, leaving Bangladesh with a narrow first-innings lead and an opportunity to establish a more substantial advantage in their second innings.

West Indies bowlers trigger a Bangladesh collapse, led by Roston Chase

Bangladesh also suffered a setback when Mominul Haque was struck on the head while fielding at short leg during the 78th over of the West Indies innings. After showing symptoms of concussion, the senior batter was ruled out for the remainder of the Test. Jaker Ali entered the side as the official concussion substitute, requiring an adjustment to Bangladesh’s batting arrangements.

The hosts were unable to build on their bowling effort in the final session. On a deteriorating surface offering sharp turn and variable bounce, the West Indies attack applied sustained pressure. Roston Chase led the spin bowling, while Jomel Warrican also contributed to a succession of wickets that placed Bangladesh’s limited lead under increasing pressure.

Shamar Joseph made the initial breakthroughs before Chase, who claimed 3 for 25, and Warrican further disrupted the innings. Tanzid Hasan was dismissed without scoring, as was Towhid Hridoy, whose attempted attacking stroke resulted in a catch. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto moved to Mominul’s customary position at No. 3 but was trapped leg before wicket by Chase for 10.

Jaker arrived with Bangladesh at 34 for 4 and helped resist further pressure. By the close, he and Nayeem had added an unbeaten 26 runs, with Nayeem remaining on 18. Their partnership offered the hosts a measure of stability after the earlier collapse, although the overall position remained difficult when poor light prevented further play.

Bangladesh will resume on Saturday seeking to extend their 106-run lead through the remaining wickets. West Indies, meanwhile, will aim to end the partnership promptly and restrict the eventual target. After a day in which both teams held the initiative, the visitors enter the fourth day in the stronger position.

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