Hasan Mahmud claims six-wicket haul as West Indies dominate second Test

Hasan Mahmud delivered a brilliant individual performance on the second day of the second Test in Sylhet, claiming a career-best six-wicket haul to keep Bangladesh within reach of the West Indies. Despite his efforts, the visitors maintained a commanding position, finishing the day with a 268-run lead after the hosts struggled to 88/3 in their first innings.

The day was further marred for Bangladesh by a significant injury concern involving opener Shadman Islam. The batter, who had scored a century in the series opener, suffered a left ankle injury while fielding near the boundary. He was stretchered from the field and transported to a hospital for an MRI scan, leaving his participation in the remainder of the match in doubt.

Resuming the day at 235/4, West Indies looked poised to build a massive total as Amir Jangoo and Justin Greaves extended their partnership. The duo added 106 runs before Hasan Mahmud intervened with the second new ball, shifting the momentum in favor of the hosts. Hasan clean-bowled Jangoo for 133, ending a 235-ball innings that featured 13 fours and two sixes.

The pacer struck again immediately, removing West Indies captain Roston Chase for a golden duck. Although a hat-trick opportunity was thwarted by a successful review from Joshua Bishop, Hasan continued his dominance. He eventually accounted for Bishop and Shamar Joseph to finish with figures of 6/90, marking his first five-wicket haul on home soil. Mehidy Hasan Miraz provided valuable support, dismissing Greaves for 51 and Jayden Seales, which brought the West Indies innings to a close at 356 shortly after the lunch interval.

Facing a challenging deficit, Bangladesh’s response began under difficult circumstances with Shadman unavailable to open. Nayeem Hasan was promoted to the top of the order but was dismissed early by Jayden Seales. The hosts continued to lose wickets at regular intervals, with Tanzid Hasan falling to Justin Greaves and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto bowled by Shamar Joseph for 18.

Reduced to 51/3, the innings required stability. Towhid Hridoy and the returning Mushfiqur Rahim managed to weather the storm, navigating a disciplined West Indies bowling attack. Mushfiqur, back in the side after recovering from a finger injury, survived a close lbw appeal before settling in. The pair remained unbeaten on 29 and 19 respectively when bad light forced an early conclusion to the day's play. Bangladesh now faces a steep climb on Day 3 to bridge the 268-run gap and remain competitive in the series.