Taskin, Hasan strike twice as West Indies recover to 235 for 4

Bangladesh made an encouraging start with the ball but could not sustain their early pressure as West Indies recovered to reach 235 for four at stumps on the opening day of the second Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud shared four wickets between them, giving Bangladesh an early advantage after West Indies elected to bat. However, a strong recovery led by an unbeaten century from Amir Jangoo shifted the momentum towards the visitors.

Taskin provided Bangladesh with the first breakthrough, removing Brandon King for nine before trapping Joshua Da Silva leg-before for 12. Hasan then dismissed Kavem Hodge for just one as West Indies slipped to 27 for three.

Bangladesh were in a promising position at that stage, but Kevin Wickham and Jangoo rebuilt the innings with a crucial fourth-wicket partnership. The pair added 131 runs to rescue West Indies from early trouble and frustrate the home attack.

Wickham made a patient 61 off 145 deliveries, hitting five fours before Hasan brought his innings to an end. His dismissal at 158 gave Bangladesh their fourth wicket, but the hosts could not make another breakthrough before stumps.

Jangoo remained unbeaten on 111 off 171 balls, striking 11 fours and two sixes. Justin Greaves provided valuable support with an unbeaten 35 off 62 deliveries as the pair added 77 runs for the fifth wicket.

Taskin finished the day with two wickets for 61 runs from 14 overs, while Hasan claimed two for 58 in an identical number of overs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz bowled economically, conceding 34 runs in 15 overs, while Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan also went wicketless.

Bangladesh will need early breakthroughs on the second morning to prevent West Indies from building on their recovery and posting a commanding first-innings total. Jangoo's presence at the crease remains the biggest concern for the home side.