The Sylhet Test concluded in a draw as the West Indies secured the series victory. Bangladesh managed to stave off defeat in the final stages, largely due to a stellar performance from Towhid Hridoy, who followed up his first-innings double century with a vital 82-run knock. The match was characterized by a resilient pitch that remained favorable for batting until the final day. Due to poor light cutting 50 minutes off the fifth day, both teams ultimately agreed to call the match a draw slightly ahead of schedule.
The West Indies posted 356 in their first innings, anchored by a century from Amir Jangoo. In response, Bangladesh reached 386, driven by Hridoy’s impressive double ton. The visitors then declared their second innings at 398 for 6, setting Bangladesh a challenging target of 369 runs. The hosts finished the final day at 184 for 4.
On the final morning, the West Indies resumed at 345 for 3. Kaveh Hodge added only two runs to his overnight score of 140 before being caught by Hasan Mahmud off the bowling of Nayeem Hasan. Shortly after, Mehidy Hasan Miraz trapped Justin Greaves leg-before-wicket. Shamar Joseph, sent in early to accelerate the scoring, was dismissed when his attempt to lift a Nayeem Hasan delivery resulted in a catch by Tanzid at long-off.
Chasing the substantial target, Bangladesh stumbled early, losing their first two wickets for just 40 runs. However, Mushfiqur Rahim and Hridoy steadied the innings with a crucial 135-run partnership for the third wicket. Hridoy eventually fell for 82, caught off the bowling of Jomel Warrican. This innings saw him surpass Mominul Haque’s 2018 record of 281 runs against Sri Lanka for the most combined runs in a single Test for Bangladesh. Hridoy needed 40 runs to break the record and finished with a total of 324 runs across both innings.
Following Hridoy’s dismissal, Mushfiqur Rahim was unlucky to miss his half-century by just one run. At the close of play, Litton Das remained unbeaten on 7, accompanied by Mehidy Miraz, who was not out on 1.
