Jamaica: Jaker Ali Anik narrowly missed his maiden Test century but played a pivotal role in setting a daunting 287-run target for the West Indies in the second and final Test at Sabina Park. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, this target poses a significant challenge for the hosts, who must surpass their own record at Sabina Park, where they successfully chased 212 runs in 2003. Notably, only twice have teams successfully chased over 180 runs at this venue. Jaker Ali's career-best 91 helped Bangladesh amass 268 runs in their second innings before being bowled out. The visitors had earlier taken an 18-run lead in the first innings after dismissing West Indies for 146, thanks to fast bowler Nahid Rana's impressive five-wicket haul, his first in Test cricket. Bangladesh commenced the day at 193-5, and Jaker's aggressive batting ensured a challenging total for the West Indies. By lunch on Day 4, the home team was at 23-1, still requiring 264 runs to achieve a series sweep, having won the first Test by 201 runs. Bangladesh, however, is eager for a victory to level the series, which would mark their third overseas win in a calendar year, a feat they have never achieved before. Bangladesh encountered early setbacks when overnight batter Taijul Islam and experienced player Mominul Haque were dismissed in consecutive overs, reducing them to 211-7. Mominul's dismissal for a duck for the second time in this Test increased his record to 18 ducks, the highest for any Bangladeshi batter. Interestingly, Mominul also holds the record for the most centuries by a Bangladeshi batter, with 13. Jaker Ali's aggressive innings, scoring 53 off 33 balls from the last 57 runs post-Mominul's dismissal, frustrated the Caribbean bowlers. Fast bowler Kemar Roach, after missing Day 3 due to an injury, took three crucial wickets on Day 4, finishing with 3-36 from 10 overs. Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph also contributed with figures of 3-77 and 2-80, respectively. As the first session concluded, West Indies captain Kraigg Brathw aite remained at the crease with 16 runs, while Taijul Islam's successful review removed Mikyle Louis for 6 just before lunch.
