Hridoy Smashes 242* as Bangladesh Outshine West Indies

A breathtaking individual knock of 242 not out from Towhid Hridoy propelled Bangladesh to a 30-run first-innings lead over the West Indies in the second Test at Sylhet on November 7. The magisterial century surpassed the previous benchmark of 219 set by Mushfiqur Rahim in 2018, securing a new milestone for Bangladeshi cricket.

After the hosts were forced to follow suit, Hridoy single-handedly stabilized the chase. He faced 359 deliveries, ornamenting the innings with 22 fours and 11 sixes. His partnership of 73 with Mushfiqur Rahim, who scored 34, provided early momentum before a middle-order collapse saw Bangladesh crash to 184 for seven.

Defying the odds, Hridoy spearheaded a remarkable recovery. His 117-run eighth-wicket partnership with Tajul Islam (22) guided the team past 300. Following that, an 85-run stand with Tasqin Ahmed (12) carried Bangladesh to 386. West Indies bowlers Jomel Warrican and Jayden Seales took four and two wickets respectively to end the innings.

The West Indies had posted 356 in their initial innings, driven by Amlan Jangoo’s brilliant 133, supported by Kevin Wickham’s 61 and Justin Greaves’ 51. Bangladesh’s bowling unit, led by Hasan Mahmud’s exceptional 6 for 90, along with two wickets each from Tasqin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, successfully defended the total.

Chasing 387, the visitors suffered a porous start, losing four wickets for just 7 runs in the first four overs of the new day. Brendon King and Joshua Da Silva are currently batting unbeaten. The West Indies enter the penultimate day seeking to complete a 2-0 series sweep after dominating the opener by eight wickets.