Fri Nov 22 22:55:34 UTC 2024: ## West Indies End Day 1 on Top Despite Late Bangladesh Fightback
**St. John’s, Antigua:** West Indies ended day one of the first Test against Bangladesh in a commanding position, reaching 250/5 despite a late flurry of wickets. A 100-run partnership between Alick Athanaze (90) and Mikyle Louis (92) propelled the hosts to a strong position after a shaky start. However, Bangladesh spinners Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam struck crucial blows in the final session, breaking the dangerous partnership and leaving the Windies slightly vulnerable at the close.
Bangladesh’s early bowling was impressive, with Shoriful Islam and Hasan Mahmud setting a disciplined tone and Taskin Ahmed taking two early wickets. The Windies struggled initially, but Louis’s gritty 71 anchored the innings in the middle session, ably supported by Kavem Hodge (25). Athanaze added a composed 32.
The introduction of the second new ball proved ineffective initially as Joshua Da Silva and Justin Greaves accelerated the scoring. However, the late wickets suggest Bangladesh will be optimistic of restricting West Indies to a manageable total on Day 2. Despite a brief interruption due to light, play is scheduled to resume at 2 pm GMT. The match remains finely poised, with both teams having opportunities to seize control in the days to come.
First Piper 