Alick Athanaze, Mikyle Louis shine as West Indies edge ahead of Bangladesh on Day 1 of the first Test

Day 1 of the 1st Test between West Indies and Bangladesh at North Sound delivered a gripping contest as the hosts, put into bat, ended at 250/5. With Mikyle Louis and Alick Athanaze leading a determined batting effort, and Bangladesh maintaining relentless pressure through their bowlers, the game remains finely balanced heading into Day 2.

Bangladesh strike early to gain control

Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz opted to bowl first on a pitch offering early assistance, and his bowlers delivered by striking twice in the first 16 overs. Taskin Ahmed dismissed Kraigg Brathwaite for a painstaking 4 off 38 balls, an LBW decision upheld on review. The visitors tightened their grip when Taskin sent Keacy Carty back for a duck, reducing the West Indies to 25/2. Despite the early blows, Louis and Kavem Hodge added a steady 59-run stand to rebuild the innings. Hodge, however, fell to a sharp run-out for 25 after misjudging a quick single. By lunch, the West Indies were cautiously placed at 50/2, with Louis showing early signs of composure.

Mikyle Louis and Alick Athanaze hold firm amid sustained pressure

The post-lunch session saw Louis take control, showcasing maturity beyond his years. He reached his maiden Test fifty off 104 balls, playing a blend of cautious defense and occasional aggression. With Athanaze joining him, the duo weathered Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling attack. Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam consistently tested the batters, but Louis and Athanaze stitched a valuable 100-run stand for the fourth wicket. Athanaze’s stylish strokeplay complemented Louis’ solid technique, frustrating the bowlers. Despite the slow scoring rate, the West Indies built momentum and went into tea at 116/3, positioning themselves for a late-session surge.

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Bangladesh little fight back under fading light against the West Indies

The evening session initially belonged to the West Indies as Louis and Athanaze upped the scoring rate. Athanaze brought up his half-century in just 85 balls, while Louis edged closer to a century with precise shot selection. However, the second new ball, taken at the 80-over mark, turned the tide. Taijul Islam produced a sharp delivery to dismiss Athanaze for an aggressive 90, caught behind by Litton Das. Soon after, Louis was denied a maiden Test hundred, falling for 97 to Hasan Miraz after a marathon knock of 218 balls. These quick wickets pegged back the hosts, reducing them from 224/3 to 228/5. Justin Greaves and Joshua Da Silva ensured no further damage, guiding West Indies to 250/5 under poor light conditions.

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