Hridoy Smashes 242* as Bangladesh Takes 30-Run Lead Over WI

Sylhet, Nov 7 — Taufiq Hridoy etched his name into cricket history with a magnificent, unbeaten 242, leading Bangladesh to a 30-run first-innings advantage against West Indies in the second Test match.

Battling across 359 balls at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Hridoy displayed exceptional patience and power, hitting 22 fours and 11 sixes. His unbeaten total surpassed the previous national benchmark of 219, set by Mushfiqur Rahim during a Zimbabwe tour in 2018.

West Indies, electing to bat first post-toss, built a substantial 356-run total. Despite an early wobble at 27 for three, an unbroken 131-run fourth-wicket stand between Amir Jangoo and Kevin Winn laid the foundation. Jangoo’s aggressive innings of 133 featured 15 boundaries, with Winn adding a gritty 61. Justin Greaves contributed 51 to help the team recover comfortably.

Bangladesh faced early pressure, losing three quick wickets for 51 runs. After Mushfiqur Rahim (34) fell, the side hit another roadblock at 184 for seven. Hridoy then orchestrated a remarkable comeback. He linked up with Taijul Islam (22) for a 117-run eighth-wicket stand, propelling the score past 300. Later, he added 85 runs with Taskin Ahmed (12) to secure the first-innings lead at 386.

Hasan Mahmud proved to be the most menacing bowler for West Indies, bagging six wickets for 90 runs. Taskin Ahmed and Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed two wickets each for Bangladesh. Jomel Warrican took four wickets and Jayden Seales claimed two for the visitors.

The fourth day concluded with West Indies needing to chase a steep target. Batting for four overs, they made 7 runs. Brendan King (5 not out) and Joshua Da Silva (2 not out) survived the session, maintaining their hopes of a 2-0 series sweep after overcoming an eight-wicket defeat in the opener.