Towhid Hridoy strikes heroic maiden double century in Sylhet Test

Towhid Hridoy delivered a monumental 'one-man show' performance, scoring a maiden double century to anchor Bangladesh's innings in the Sylhet Test against the West Indies.

Remarkably playing in only his third Test match, the right-handed batter reached the historic milestone off 304 deliveries, holding one end firmly while none of his teammates managed even a half-century.

Heading into the tea break on Day 3, Hridoy remained unbeaten on 190 alongside lower-order batter Taskin Ahmed. With opening batter Shadman Islam sidelined due to injury, Taskin served as Bangladesh's final recognized wickets partner.

Earlier, Hridoy formed a crucial 117-run partnership with Taijul Islam, propelling Bangladesh past the 300-run barrier before left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican broke the stand. Warrican trapped Taijul stumpless for 22, claiming his fourth wicket of the innings as Bangladesh fell to 301 for 8.

Bangladesh faced early setbacks on the third morning, losing overnight partners Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Kumar Das in quick succession. Mushfiqur was caught off Warrican for 34, while Litton offered a simple catch to the same bowler after scoring just 8.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz attempted to build a partnership with Hridoy, adding 41 runs before departing for 16. Hasan Mahmud followed shortly after, falling leg-before to Warrican for 1 run as Bangladesh lost their sixth and seventh wickets in rapid sequence.

The collapse extended from the second evening, when Bangladesh struggled against the new ball attack of Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales, slipping to 22 for 2. Naim Hasan, promoted to open due to Shadman's injury, was dismissed for 5, followed by Tanjid Hasan Tamim for 16 and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto for 18, leaving Hridoy to wage a historic solo battle.

-SA