Towhid Hridoy displayed remarkable resilience, facing a staggering 499 deliveries—equivalent to 83.1 overs—across both innings in the second Test against the West Indies in Sylhet. While the match concluded in a draw on the fifth day, the visitors secured the two-match series 1-0, having built a decisive lead with their victory in the series opener in Dhaka. 499 balls, or 83.1 overs – that’s the staggering number of deliveries that Towhid Hridoy faced in second Test between Bangladesh and West Indies in Sylhet which ended in a draw on Day 5.
Resuming the final day at 345/3, the West Indies aimed to extend their advantage. Kavem Hodge, who added only two runs to his overnight score of 140 before falling to Nayeem Hasan, was unable to match Hridoy’s earlier batting discipline. The home side managed two additional breakthroughs before the tourists declared at 398/6, precisely 10 overs into the day, leaving Bangladesh with an improbable target of 369 runs. Their sights set on piling on to their already big lead, west Indies resumed with an overnight total of 345/3.
Bangladesh’s chase suffered an early blow when Jomel Warrican dismissed both Tanzid Hasan and Najmul Hossain with the new ball, reducing the hosts to 40/2. Hridoy, fresh off an exceptional 242* in the first innings, then anchored the resistance alongside Mushfiqur Rahim. The duo successfully navigated through the lunch session and added 113 runs over 34 overs, displaying immense resolve against the Caribbean attack. Hridoy ultimately fell for 82, and shortly thereafter, Shamar Joseph clean-bowled Rahim just one run shy of a half-century. They saw their side through to Lunch which came soon after the start of their alliance and then proceeded to bat through the middle session. They added 113 runs in 34 overs till Tea as West Indies once again found it hard to break Hridoy’s resolve.
With victory out of reach, Litton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz focused on survival, batting for 29 and 14 balls respectively before fading light halted play. Despite the umpires conducting multiple inspections, no further action was possible, leading to a handshake and a draw. Brief scores: West Indies 356 & 398/6 decl. (Kavem Hodge 142*, Kevin Wickham 78, Brandon King 61; Nayeem Hasan 2-72, Mehidy Hasan Miraz 2-85, Taijul Islam 2-118) vs Bangladesh 386 & 184/4 (Towhid Hridoy 82, Mushfiqur Rahim 49). But also batted out the 59 overs that were possible before bad light stopped play, the home side didn’t get close to it. Batting out 29 balls for his 7 and had Mehidy for company, litton Das then arrived and shut shop.
