Bangladesh's decision to declare despite being 181 behind is being vindicated

Despite being 181 runs behind, Bangladesh declared their first innings and took to the field early on the fourth day in Antigua. On the previous day, Taskin Ahmed and Shariful Islam had prevented Bangladesh from being bowled out, finishing the day's play with a defiant 12-run partnership. Today, to everyone's surprise, instead of going in to bat, Taskin Ahmed took the ball in hand. In the first hour of play, Bangladesh’s pace attack wreaked havoc on the West Indies' batting lineup.

In the first hour on Day 4 in Antigua, Bangladesh bowled 11.2 overs, conceding 39 runs and taking 3 wickets. After Taskin Ahmed claimed a couple of wickets, Shariful Islam joined the attack and dismissed West Indies captain Craig Brathwaite.

In the third over of the innings, Taskin Ahmed almost provided Bangladesh with a breakthrough. However, they were denied early success. West Indies captain Craig Brathwaite, who was on 9, was dropped by Shahadat Hossain Dipu at first slip. Taskin's full-length delivery, which Brathwaite tried to defend, edged to slip. Dipu, however, failed to grab the easy catch.

Brathwaite, who had been given a new lease of life at 9, made use of it and pushed on with the innings. However, in Taskin’s next over, Bangladesh got their first breakthrough. Mikal Lewis, who had faced 18 balls for 8 runs, edged to Liton Das behind the stumps, giving Bangladesh their first wicket at 25 runs.

Then, Craig Brathwaite, who had been playing cautiously, was joined by Casey Carty. Together, they attempted to rebuild the innings. But once again, Taskin Ahmed struck. Carty, who had scored 3 off 13 balls, was caught at second slip by Mahmudul Hasan Joy. After surviving a life at 9, Brathwaite’s innings ended at 23 when he was caught by Joy off Shariful’s bowling. West Indies had lost their third wicket at 39 runs.