Taskin’s double strike gives Bangladesh control in first session
Taskin’s efforts took his Test wicket tally to 40 in 29 innings, making him the fourth-highest wicket-taker among Bangladeshi pacers.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz's decision to field first paid off in the opening session of the first Test at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua, as Taskin Ahmed delivered two crucial breakthroughs to peg back the West Indies.
Despite the bowlers extracting movement and swing early on, West Indies openers Kraigg Brathwaite and Micaiah Louis initially resisted with watchful batting.
It was Taskin who finally broke the deadlock in the 14th over, trapping Brathwaite lbw for 4 off 38 balls.
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In his next over, Taskin struck again, removing Keacy Carty for a duck. By the time lunch was called, the hosts were 50 for 2, with Louis batting on 36 and Kavem Hodge unbeaten on 9.
The first hour of play had belonged to the West Indies, as the Bangladesh bowlers toiled without success.
Taskin, however, turned the tide, supported by disciplined spells from his fellow pacers and spinners.
Hasan Mahmud came close to dismissing Louis, but an edge flew over the slips for four, highlighting the batter's fortune.
Taskin's efforts took his Test wicket tally to 40 in 29 innings, making him the fourth-highest wicket-taker among Bangladeshi pacers.
The lunch scoreline reflected a balanced start to the series, with Bangladesh claiming the honours in the latter part of the session. For the West Indies, Louis's composure will be key as they look to build after the break.
