Bangladesh Bowlers' Effort Leads to 5 West Indies Wickets on Day 1 of Antigua Test

On the first day of the Antigua Test, Bangladesh's bowlers managed to claim 5 wickets as West Indies finished the day with 250 runs from 84 overs. Despite putting up a substantial total, the West Indies had their share of regrets, having lost two set batsmen in the 'nervous nineties.' Opener Mikal Lewis and Alik Athanaze—batting at number five—both fell just short of centuries. Bangladesh’s spinners Miraz and Taijul turned their hopes into nightmares by dismissing them. With the fall of these two batsmen, Bangladesh finished the day on a high note.

After winning the toss, Bangladesh captain Mehedi Hasan Miraz chose to bowl first. Considering the conditions, Bangladesh opted to play with three pacers against the four West Indian pacers. The first breakthrough came in the 14th over when Taskin Ahmed dismissed the opening partnership, breaking it at 25 runs. Taskin's success continued as he picked up two quick wickets, sending West Indies captain Craig Brathwaite and Casey Carty back to the pavilion. In the first 23 overs of the session, West Indies managed only 50 runs and lost two wickets.

West Indies managed to score more runs in the second session, where they took 66 runs in 31 overs. The hosts gained momentum in the final session, scoring 116 runs in 30 overs after the tea break. However, the real blow came as Bangladesh dismissed two set batsmen who were nearing centuries.

Alik Athanaze, who came in at number five, tried to keep the innings going but struggled to score freely against tight bowling from the Tigers. On the other hand, Mikal Lewis, after settling in, increased the scoring rate and reached his fifty off 104 balls. Athanaze followed suit, completing his fifty off 85 balls.

Lewis was dismissed for 97 runs, just three runs shy of a century. Miraz was the one to dismiss him, leaving Lewis heartbroken. He faced 218 balls, hitting 9 fours and 1 six before departing for 97. Similarly, Athanaze fell to Taijul Islam’s spin, caught by Litton Das behind the stumps for 50, falling victim to the 'nervous nineties' like Lewis.

After their dismissals, Justin Greaves (11*) and Joshua Da Silva (14*) remained not out, ensuring that West Indies did not lose any further wickets before the end of the day’s play.

On the bowling front, Taskin Ahmed was the standout performer, taking 2 wickets for 46 runs in 15 overs. The remaining three wickets were shared between Miraz and Taijul, each picking up one wicket. Additionally, there was a run-out in the West Indies' innings.

As Day 1 concluded, Bangladesh had a solid grip on the match, dismissing two key batsmen and keeping the scoring under control. West Indies will look to rebuild on Day 2 with Greaves and Da Silva at the crease.