Sadman stranded one run short of a century as Bangladesh close day one on 213 for 3

Opener Sadman Islam shone on the opening day of the first Test of the series against the West Indies at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur. At the close he remained unbeaten on 99, just one run short of a century.

Bangladesh ended the first day on 213 for 3. Wicketkeeper-batter Litton Kumar Das was unbeaten on 10 alongside Sadman.

At the start of the match, the Caribbean pacers challenged Bangladesh's batters with pace and swing on the Mirpur wicket. Opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim (7) returned early with the team score on 9; attempting a cover drive to a Jayden Seales delivery outside off stump, he edged the ball to Justin Greaves in the slips.

Recovering from that early blow, Sadman built a 59-run partnership with Mominul Haque for the second wicket. But just as he was looking to build his innings, Mominul (28) tried to hit Shamar Joseph over the top and was caught at mid-off.

After the break, Sadman reached his personal fifty. It was the tenth half-century of his Test career and his fourth against the West Indies; he reached the milestone in 95 balls with 5 fours.

At the other end, captain Najmul Hossain Shanto could not settle. He was lbw sweeping left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican; the umpire initially gave him not out, but a review by Caribbean acting captain Roston Chase overturned the decision, and Shanto returned for 16 off 42 balls. Bangladesh were under pressure at 110 for 3.

Sadman eased that pressure in the fourth-wicket stand with Tawhid Hridoy, who had come into the XI in place of Mushfiqur Rahim. Hridoy was on his way to a fifty but was forced to retire hurt on 42 with an injury.

Sadman then took the innings forward with Litton Das and reached 99. At that point, play was stopped for 50 minutes because of bad light.

When the light improved, play resumed, but after only 4 overs darkness fell again. After play had been stopped twice, the umpires declared the day's play over.

As a result, Sadman, just one run from a century, must wait until the morning of day two for his three-figure mark. The responsible batting of the left-hander, who guided the team after the top order's quick departures, is what kept Bangladesh comfortable on the first day.