Sylhet:Amir Jangoo struck a scintillating unbeaten century to rescue West Indies from an early collapse and place the team in a commanding position on the opening day of the second and final Test against Bangladesh at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Jangoo remained unbeaten on 111 as West Indies reached 235-4 before bad light forced an early close to the day's play. Justin Greaves supported him with an unbeaten 35. Debutant Kevin Wickham contributed a patient 61, forming a crucial 131-run fourth-wicket partnership with Jangoo, helping West Indies recover from a disastrous start.
Having already secured victory in the first Test in Dhaka by eight wickets, West Indies, aiming for a series sweep, chose to bat first after winning the toss. However, Bangladesh's pace attack quickly reduced the visitors to 27-3 within the first hour.
West Indies' start could have been worse if not for Bangladesh's sloppy slip fielding. Taskin Ahmed eventually made the breakthrough in the fifth over without fielding assistance, dismissing Brandon King for nine. Hasan Mahmud followed, taking Kavem Hodge's wicket for just one.
Taskin struck again by trapping Joshua Da Silva leg-before for 12. Da Silva was replacing Johan Campbell, who missed the match due to viral fever, leaving West Indies struggling at 27-3.
Wickham and Jangoo then joined forces to rebuild the innings. Initially nervous, Wickham settled down to bring up his maiden Test half-century off 123 deliveries. Jangoo found his rhythm after a challenging first Test, surviving early scares due to Bangladesh's fielding errors, and reached his half-century off 86 balls.
Their partnership shifted momentum in West Indies' favor, frustrating Bangladesh's bowlers. Hasan Mahmud eventually broke the stand by dismissing Wickham with a well-executed delivery.
Despite Wickham's departure, Greaves joined Jangoo to maintain West Indies' strong position. Jangoo continued with authority, reaching his second Test century off 149 balls by hitting a six off Taijul Islam. His unbeaten 111, along with Greaves' 35, ensured West Indies ended the day strongly after the initial setback.
Taskin and Hasan each claimed two wickets for Bangladesh, sharing the four wickets that fell.