Sadman stranded one run short of a century as bad light ends day one of the Mirpur Test

The first day of the Mirpur Test belonged neither to Bangladesh nor to the West Indies — it belonged to the play of light and shadow. Under the influence of Cyclone Arnob, formed in the Bay of Bengal, there was not enough light to continue play in the final session, and 16 of the day's scheduled 90 overs were lost.

Sadman Islam ended the day standing just one run short of a century. The opening day of the first Test of the two-match World Test Championship series in Mirpur closed with a sense of what might have been. Play had to be stopped before the scheduled close for a second time because of bad light, leaving Sadman unbeaten on 99 as he walked off. Litton Das was unbeaten on 10 alongside him.

At the close on Wednesday (28 October), Bangladesh were 213 for 3 in 74 overs. As the light faded late in the day, spectators waiting to see Sadman's century had to leave hoping for the following day.

Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss at the start of the day and chose to bat. The hosts did not begin well, however. With the team score on 7, opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim was caught at second slip off Jayden Seales and returned to the pavilion.

Sadman then steadied the innings with Mominul Haque in a second-wicket partnership. The pair added an important 59 runs. Towards the end of the first session, however, Mominul departed for 28.

After Mominul's dismissal, Sadman carried the innings forward with captain Shanto. Their third-wicket partnership produced 42 runs. But when Shanto was out for 19, Bangladesh lost another wicket.

Sadman then took on the responsibility of advancing the team with Tawhid Hridoy. The opener took Bangladesh past 150 and into a stronger position. With composed batting he reached his half-century and then moved on towards a century.

Late in the day, however, an injury to Hridoy disrupted Bangladesh's comfort. He had to leave the field after being hurt while batting, and even after returning following initial treatment, he found no relief.

After taking a single off the fifth ball of the 66th over, bowled by Joshua Bishop, Hridoy could no longer stand. He sat down clutching the area below his left knee. He was then carried off the field on a stretcher and had to retire hurt.

Litton Das came to the crease after Hridoy's injury. He batted through the rest of the day with Sadman and remained unbeaten on 10. But with play stopped a second time because of bad light, the wait for Sadman's century grew longer. When play resumes on the second day, the opener will need just one more run to complete his hundred.