Bangladesh ended the day losing 269 for 9 on the third day of the Antigua Test. The visitors are still 181 runs behind the West Indies' first innings of 450 for 9 declared.
The hosts maintained control of the game at the end of the day with excellent performance from their bowlers. Bangladesh were almost forced to follow-on, but Zaker Ali's brilliant fifty at the end helped them avoid follow-on.
Bangladesh batsmen tried to play steadily on the slow pitch, but none of them could play a big innings. Zaker Ali (53) and Mominul Haque (50) scored half-centuries but were quickly out. Liton Das was also stopped for 40 runs. Zaker and Taijul Islam put on a 68-run partnership for the seventh wicket to help the team cross the 251-run mark to avoid follow-on.
At the start of the third day, Mominul hit two boundaries in Shamar Joseph's over. However, Kemar Roach dismissed Shahadat Hossain for 18, who was caught by Kavem Hajj. Although Mominul and Liton made it through the first session, Jaden Sills returned Mominul lbw.
Mehdi Hasan Miraj fell under pressure from West Indies bouncers; Alzarri Joseph's bouncer was caught by Mikail Lewis at short. Liton also could not handle the pressure and was bowled for 40 runs.
Bangladesh turned things around a bit with the determination of Taijul and Zaker. Zaker completed his half-century by hitting four boundaries. However, Joseph caught Taijul and Zaker to break the partnership.
Summary scores: (End of third day)
West Indies first innings: 450/9 declared in 144.1 overs. (Greaves 114, Lewis 97, Ethanage 90, Roach 47; Hasan 3-87, Miraj 2-76)
Bangladesh first innings: 269/9 in 98 overs (Mominul 50, Zaker 53; Alzarri 3/69). # MS/0802 Hours/25.11.24