Dhaka:Bangladesh opener Shadman Islam has admitted that the team's batters failed to capitalize on a strong position against the West Indies in the opening Test. The hosts missed an opportunity to build a substantial first innings total after beginning the day at 213-3 but losing their remaining seven wickets for just 59 runs, resulting in a total of 272 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Shadman, who scored a century in the innings, mentioned that the early dismissals on the second morning were particularly costly. He noted that he and Liton Das had formed a promising partnership, and if he could have extended his time at the crease or increased his score, the outcome might have been different.
Shadman emphasized the need for Bangladesh's top-order batters to convert their starts into significant scores, suggesting that larger individual contributions could have helped the team reach higher targets of 450 or even 500. He refrained from blaming the Mirpur pitch for the collapse, instead crediting the West Indies bowlers and acknowledging Bangladesh's mistakes.
The opener shared that his strategy was to play each delivery as it came, without overthinking the pitch conditions. He also highlighted the challenges batters often face early in the morning and late in the day in Mirpur.
Shadman revealed that the century was significant for him, as he had been struggling to convert promising starts into bigger scores. He worked on his fitness and batting technique, consulting with former Bangladesh batter Mohammad Ashraful and coach Mohammad Salahuddin.
After Bangladesh's innings, the West Indies made a strong start but were slowed down by spinners Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who took three quick wickets, leaving the West Indies at 134-4 at stumps. Shadman praised the bowlers for their efforts and expressed the team's intention to dismiss the remaining West Indies batters quickly the following morning, aiming to restrict their lead.