Hodge century puts West Indies in control in Sylhet Test, lead swells to 266
West Indies are dominating with the bat on the fourth day of the Sylhet Test, scoring quickly against Bangladesh's bowlers. At the end of 73 overs, they have reached 296 for 3 in their second innings, taking their lead to 266 runs. With seven wickets still in hand, West Indies have the chance to stretch the lead further.
Starting the day seven runs ahead, the Caribbean side batted aggressively from the outset. Openers Brandon King and Joshua Da Silva added 86 runs for the first wicket.
Taijul Islam gave Bangladesh their first breakthrough, dismissing Da Silva for 36. Mehidy Hasan Miraz then removed King, who had made 61.
But losing two wickets did not slow West Indies down. At the third wicket, Kavem Hodge and debutant Kevin Wickham took control against Bangladesh's bowlers.
Before the tea break, the pair had added an unbroken 140 runs. Hodge was unbeaten on 93, with Wickham on 63. The young batter has now scored a fifty in both innings of his debut Test, having made 67 in the first innings.
Coming together after the fall of two wickets, Hodge and Wickham built a fine resistance. They started watchfully but grew more aggressive as time passed, handling Bangladesh's spinners while scoring regularly.
Their 165-run partnership changed the shape of the match, taking the Caribbean lead past 250.
After tea, Taijul Islam brought Bangladesh relief by dismissing Wickham for 78. The batter, who made 67 in the first innings, also reached fifty in the second innings, passing fifty in both innings of his debut Test.
At the other end, Hodge completed a fine century, sweeping a Taijul delivery outside leg stump to reach three figures. It is the third century of his Test career.
In reply to West Indies' 356 in the first innings, Bangladesh had made 386. The Caribbean lead now stands at 266, with seven wickets in hand.
Bangladesh's record for the highest successful run chase in a Test is 215, achieved against West Indies in 2009.
To win in Sylhet, the hosts will now have to go past their own record and create new history. All eyes are on how far West Indies stretch their lead in the final session of the fourth day.
