Bangladesh faces a steep climb in the final session of the Sylhet Test, requiring 320 more runs to reach a daunting 369-run target set by the West Indies. As the players headed for the lunch break on the fifth and final day, the hosts stood at 49 for two after 14 overs. Left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican has emerged as the primary threat, claiming both early wickets to ignite hope for a Caribbean victory.
The innings began with openers Tanzid Hasan Tamim and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto managing the seam attack reasonably well. However, the partnership collapsed in the eighth over when Warrican was introduced to the attack. Tanzid, having scored 21 off 32 balls with four boundaries, perished while attempting to navigate the spinner, ultimately edging a catch to wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva. Shortly after their 33-run stand was broken, Shanto followed him back to the pavilion. Despite being initially ruled not out by the umpire, a successful West Indies review confirmed the dismissal, ending the captain’s stay at 14 runs off 27 deliveries.
At the interval, Towhid Hridoy remained unbeaten on eight, accompanied by Mushfiqur Rahim on five. The task ahead remains monumental, as the team looks to negotiate the final day on a pitch that continues to challenge batters. The team management had previously acknowledged the difficulty of batting on the fifth day, yet maintained hope for a resilient effort from the middle order.
The West Indies had declared their second innings earlier in the day at 398 for six, effectively pushing the victory target to 369. Bangladesh had initially hoped to dismantle the visitors quickly, grabbing three early wickets for just 22 runs. Kavem Hodge, who started the morning on 140, was dismissed for 142 by Nayeem Hasan, caught by Hasan Mahmud. Mehidy Hasan Miraz followed up by trapping Justin Greaves leg-before for nine, while Nayeem claimed the wicket of Shamar Joseph for a single in the subsequent over.
Despite the collapse, a rapid cameo from Joshua Bishop, who struck 20 off 11 balls, helped the West Indies build their lead before declaring. Amir Jangoo remained firm at the other end, finishing not out on 39. Taijul Islam, Miraz, and Nayeem each picked up two wickets for Bangladesh. This follows a high-scoring encounter where Bangladesh posted 386 in their first innings, fueled by Towhid Hridoy’s brilliant 242, in response to the West Indies’ opening score of 356.
