Mirpur Test day four: Naim's resistance pushes lead past 150 before rain stops play in the morning

Bangladesh extended their lead despite a second-innings batting collapse on the fourth day of the first Test of the series against the West Indies at the Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Mirpur. Thanks to Naim Hasan's responsible batting, the hosts' lead crossed 150 runs. At the time of this report, Bangladesh were 132 for 9 in 46 overs in their second innings, a lead of 159 runs. Rain interrupted the morning session on day four and play was stopped for the time being.

Bangladesh lost a wicket right at the start of the fourth day. The hosts resumed with the two overnight unbeaten batters, Jaker Ali Anik and Naim Hasan. But Jaker could not fulfil the expectation of building a big innings and returned to the pavilion as the first wicket of the day, the wicketkeeper-batter departing early.

Expectations were high for Jaker, who had come into the XI in place of Mominul Haque. But he was caught by Roston Chase off the last ball of a Jomel Warrican over. He had hit a beautiful cover drive for four off the previous ball. His innings ended on 22 runs.

Hasan, who was keeping Naim company, then also departed, trapped lbw. Naim Hasan, however, held one end firm and kept batting, and his responsible innings took Bangladesh to 127 for 8 at one stage, stretching the lead to 154 runs.

Rain had interrupted this match before as well — it came down on the afternoon of the third day too. Bad light also ended play before the scheduled close on the third day, as it had for a third straight day; only 63 overs were bowled on day three, of which the West Indies batted 34 overs and Bangladesh 29.

The West Indies began the third day on 134 for 4. But the Caribbean side could not survive long against Bangladesh's spinners, losing their remaining six wickets to be all out for 245 in their first innings. Bangladesh thus took a 27-run first-innings lead.

Off-spinner Naim Hasan was Bangladesh's most successful bowler in the West Indies' first innings, taking four wickets with fine bowling towards the end. Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam took two wickets each.

Despite the first-innings lead, Bangladesh could not capitalise with the bat in the second innings. Before play stopped on day three, the hosts were 79 for 6 in 29 overs, making their overall lead 106 runs.

In the first innings, Bangladesh scored 272 runs thanks to Sadman Islam's century of 105 runs. In reply, the West Indies were bowled out for 245 against the spin of Naim and Miraz.

Meanwhile, Mominul Haque, who suffered a head injury while fielding, will not be able to take the field for the rest of the match.