Bangladesh's bowling attack fails to build pressure

Bangladesh's inability to maintain pressure with the ball has emerged as a major concern in the second Test against West Indies, with the visitors taking firm control through a commanding second-innings batting display in Sylhet.

The home side managed to remove both West Indies openers on the fourth morning, raising hopes of a breakthrough. Taijul Islam dismissed Joshua Da Silva for 36, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz sent back Brandon King after the opener had scored 61. But Bangladesh could not build on those early successes.

Kavem Hodge and Kevin Wickham took advantage of the opportunity, putting together a 165-run partnership for the third wicket. Their positive approach against both pace and spin made it difficult for Bangladesh to dictate terms.

Hodge remained unbeaten on 140, while Wickham scored 78 before Taijul ended their stand. The left-arm spinner finished with two wickets for 118 runs from 29 overs, while Miraz claimed one for 58.
Bangladesh's pace attack had an equally difficult outing. Taskin Ahmed conceded 51 runs in 11 overs without taking a wicket, while Hasan Mahmud went for 61 in his 11 overs. Nayeem Hasan also remained wicketless.

The contrast with the first innings was striking. Hasan had taken six wickets for 90 runs to bowl West Indies out for 356, but Bangladesh could not reproduce that collective effectiveness in the second innings.
With West Indies reaching 345 for three and establishing a 315-run lead, Bangladesh's bowling unit will need a much sharper performance on the final day if the hosts are to remain in contention.