WI 'disappointed' with early finish, Shadman 99* earns praise from hosts' camp

Dhaka — A disciplined batting display led by opener Shadman Islam guided Bangladesh to a solid 213 for 3 on Day 1 of the Dhaka Test against the West Indies. However, the day concluded on a note of frustration for the visitors, as fading light brought an early end to play just as they sought to capitalize on a fresh opportunity late in the final session. The umpires, Nitin Menon and Sam Nogajski, checked light levels and halted play twice during the late afternoon—first for a 53-minute disruption at 3:15 PM, before ultimately calling stumps early at 5:00 PM. Early Stoppage Robs Visitors of Momentum The early call was particularly disappointing for the West Indies, who were eager to bowl at incoming batter Litton Das. Litton had taken the crease in the 66th over after Towhid Hridoy was forced off the field due to severe cramps. Just as West Indies skipper Roston Chase brought fast bowler Shamar Joseph back into the attack, light levels were deemed insufficient. Reflecting on the premature finish, West Indies left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican acknowledged his side's eagerness to make further breakthroughs before the close of play. "At the end of the day, the umpires have the last say," said Warrican, who claimed two key wickets during the day. "So obviously, we were a little disappointed because Litton Das came out to bat, so we wanted an opportunity to get a quick wicket and continue to get more wickets in that session. But it's part of cricket. We've got to accept the decision the umpires make and be professional and do what we need to do at the time." Warrican noted that while the pitch offered early moisture, the visitors had to rely on sustained discipline as the surface settled. Fast bowlers Jayden Seales and Shamar Joseph laid a solid foundation early on, keeping the run rate under control alongside spin support from Warrican, Chase, and debutant Joshua Bishop. Warrican also singled out Bishop for praise, expecting the debutant spinner to break through on Day 2 after maintaining impressive economy rates in subcontinent conditions. Shadman Stand Near Milestone Leaves Camp Anxious While West Indies searched for answers, Shadman Islam’s patient and methodical approach anchored Bangladesh’s innings throughout the day. Playing close to his body and eschewing risky shots, the opener put together crucial fifty-plus partnerships with Mominul Haque and Towhid Hridoy to keep the opposition at bay. By the time play was called off, Shadman remained undefeated on 99*, leaving him just one run short of a hard-earned third Test century. Bangladesh batting coach Mohammad Salahuddin praised Shadman's composure and Shot selection while admitting the overnight score creates a touch of anxiety in the dressing room. "I think [Shadman] assessed the wicket very well," Salahuddin noted. "He didn't play a lot of risky shots in the entire day, although most batters have the tendency to play a false shot when the going gets tough. He kept control of his own innings." Addressing Shadman's past struggles with converting starts into triple figures, Salahuddin expressed hope that this innings marks a turning point in the batter's approach. "We were hoping he could complete his century on the first day... He doesn't have a great conversion rate. I think there was something he needed to work on in his process. I think he is figuring out how to get better at playing long innings. Maybe making a century will become slightly easier for him," Salahuddin added. What Ahead for Day 2 With Bangladesh poised comfortably at 213 for 3, all eyes will be on Shadman Islam as he resumes his innings on Day 2 needing a single run to reach his milestone. For the West Indies, early breakthroughs on the second morning will be vital to staying competitive and preventing the hosts from building a major first-innings total.