NORTH SOUND, Antigua — As the conclusion of the fourth day dawned, Bangladesh found itself in a precarious position in the first cricket test against the West Indies. With the target set at 333 runs for victory, they closed the day at 109 runs for the loss of seven wickets, trailing the West Indies by 224 runs. The day proved tumultuous with a staggering 17 wickets tumbling—14 of which fell to the skilled fast bowlers on display.

At the time of stumps, Jaker Ali was batting on 15 not out, having formed a crucial 43-run partnership with Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who contributed 45 runs. This partnership briefly ignited hopes for Bangladesh to extend the match into a fifth day. However, as Mehidy fell with just four overs remaining, the tourists’ valiant efforts came to an abrupt end.

Kemar Roach was the standout performer for the West Indies, claiming 3 wickets for just 20 runs, while Jayden Seales had an impressive outing too, taking 3 for 31. Roach efficiently dismantled Bangladesh’s top order, dismissing Zakir Hasan for a duck, Shahadat Hossain for 4, and Mominul Haque for 11, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 23 runs for four wickets. Despite a promising recovery from Mehidy through partnerships of 36 runs with Litton Das, who scored 22, and then 43 runs with Jaker, the innings ultimately fell short. Seales’ late strikes sealed the fate, leaving the West Indies poised for a clear path to victory.

Earlier in the match, Bangladesh had unexpectedly called off their innings at an overnight total of 269 for 9, falling behind by 181 runs after the first inning. In response, Taskin Ahmed stole the headline by achieving his maiden five-wicket haul in tests, as he helped dismiss the West Indies for 152 runs in a little more than 46 overs. As he marked his 16th test appearance, Taskin delivered an exceptional performance, finishing with figures of 6 wickets for 64 runs, ensuring that the West Indies led by fewer than 350 runs. His strategy of maintaining line and length proved effective as he surged through the West Indies batting order during the second session of the day.

At lunch, West Indies sat comfortably at 61 for 3, appearing on course to build a commanding overall lead. Taskin set the tone by taking early wickets, followed by four more dismissals that led to the West Indies’ collapse just before tea. “This means a lot to me as it marks my first five-wicket haul in Test cricket,” remarked Taskin. “While I felt I bowled reasonably well in the first innings, I learned valuable lessons regarding the optimal lengths and lines suited to this pitch.”

Unfortunately for Bangladesh, this splendid display from Taskin was undermined as they began their second innings. Losing Zakir Hasan to the fifth ball and Mahmadul Hasan Joy soon after left them in dire straits, as Roach executed precise bowling to account for Shahadat and Mominul, placing Bangladesh at four wickets down by the 13th over. The day concluded with a record number of wickets falling, making it the most prolific day for dismissals in a test match at Antigua.