Sylhet:Towhid Hridoy is closing in on another century as Bangladesh reached 162-2 at tea on Day 5, challenging West Indies' hopes of winning the second and final Test at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Hridoy, who scored an unbeaten 242 in the first innings, was batting on 82, alongside Mushfiqur Rahim, who was on 40. Bangladesh still requires 207 more runs to achieve victory.
In his innings of 40, Mushfiqur Rahim became the first Bangladeshi batter to reach 7000 Test runs. The pair stayed firm during the post-lunch session after Bangladesh faced early setbacks with a score of 40-2, giving West Indies a brief hope of winning the Test.
The duo adopted contrasting styles in their approach, with Hridoy taking an aggressive stance and Mushfiqur demonstrating patience to guide Bangladesh's difficult chase of 369 for victory.
West Indies declared their second innings at 398-6, having resumed Day 5 at 345-3. Bangladesh's spinners played a key role in limiting the visitors' scoring, with Taijul Islam, Nayeem Hasan, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz each taking two wickets.
Bangladesh's chase began shakily as Tanzid Hasan Tamim was dismissed for 21, followed by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto being trapped leg-before for 14. Earlier, West Indies were dismissed for 356 in their first innings, with Hasan Mahmud taking 6-90, while Hridoy's 242 not out propelled Bangladesh to 386, earning a 30-run lead in the first innings.
Despite their initial advantage, Bangladesh is now tasked with preventing a West Indies series sweep.