West Indies left frustrated after hopes of testing new batsman Litton Das were cut short due to an early finish on the opening day of the Dhaka Test against Bangladesh. The umpires halted play twice due to bad light, deciding the day’s play at 5pm with Bangladesh comfortably placed at 213 for 3.
Litton Das walked to the crease after Towhid Hridoy was forced off the field with cramps in the 66th over. As West Indies captain Roston Chase had reintroduced pace bowler Shamar Joseph, umpires Nitin Menon and Sam Nogajski chose to check the light meter, leading to the premature close of play.
Expressing the team’s disappointment, West Indies left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican, who took two key wickets, said, “At the end of the day, the umpires have the last say. We wanted to have a go at Litton Das, but it’s part of cricket. We have to accept the decision, remain professional, and do what’s needed.”
Earlier in the day, West Indies struggled to exploit a pitch with initial moisture, failing to claim the early breakthroughs they desired. Warrican acknowledged the team’s challenge, stating, “Not every time you’re going to dominate. We stayed disciplined and took key wickets as the day went on.”
In contrast, it was Shadman Islam’s steady knock that anchored Bangladesh’s innings. Remaining unbeaten on 99, Shadman forged crucial partnerships with both Mominul Haque and Hridoy to ensure Bangladesh ended the day with momentum.
Bangladesh’s batting coach, Mohammad Salahuddin, praised Shadman for his disciplined innings. “I think [Shadman] assessed the wicket very well. He managed to avoid risky shots, which many struggle with. I believe he’s learned from getting out in the fifties and sixties, and hopefully, he can build on this,” Salahuddin remarked.
Shadman’s 99 not out leaves the team eager for more, with Salahuddin noting the effort put into breaking his conversion rate from fifties to hundreds. “This innings could help him in future matches. He’s worked on his process, and making centuries might become easier,” he said.
West Indies, having started well, claimed two wickets in the first session. Warrican commended Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales for their disciplined bowling. “Shamar and Jayden set a strong foundation for us. Understanding my role to maintain tight control helped me pick up crucial wickets,” Warrican explained.
Debutant Joshua Bishop, though wicketless, was praised for his consistency. “He kept the economy rate tight. I’m confident he’ll get some wickets tomorrow, which is vital in these conditions,” Warrican added, reflecting the team’s positive outlook despite the day’s setbacks.
