Antigua: A sloppy bowling performance from Bangladesh helped West Indies recover from a shaky start to reach 250-5 on Day 1 of the two-match Test series opener at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua today. Fast bowler Taskin Ahmed initially reduced the West Indies to 25-2, but the Bangladesh bowlers, including Taskin, failed to maintain the pressure, allowing the West Indies to regain their footing in the match. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, openers Mikyle Louise and Alick Athanaze played pivotal roles in stabilizing the innings after the initial setbacks, though both narrowly missed their centuries. Louise, who was just three runs short of his maiden Test century, scored 97 off 218 balls, including nine fours and one six. Athanaze contributed with a score of 90, hitting 10 boundaries and one six from 170 balls. Their partnership for the fourth wicket yielded 140 runs, putting the West Indies in a strong position at the end of the day. In the absence of injured Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mehidy H asan Miraz led the Bangladesh team in his 50th Test match and opted to bowl first after winning the toss, hoping that the early pitch conditions would favor his fast bowlers. Although the hosts made a cautious start, Louise and his fellow batsmen managed to negate the early bowling threat. Taskin Ahmed managed to make early breakthroughs by dismissing Kraigg Brathwaite and Keacy Carty, leaving West Indies at 25-2. Louise found support in Kavem Hodge, who helped stabilize the innings before being run out for 25. Louise and Athanaze then combined forces, with Louise reaching his second Test fifty and Athanaze playing a more aggressive innings to reach his half-century. Despite a dropped catch by Miraz, which gave Louise a reprieve on 90, both batsmen fell short of their centuries, with Miraz eventually dismissing Louise and Taijul Islam taking Athanaze's wicket. By the close of play, Joshua da Silva and Justin Greaves had steadied the innings further, finishing unbeaten on 14 and 11 respectively, as they care fully negotiated the Bangladesh pacers and the second new ball.
