Hasan shines as Bangladesh spinners struggle in Sylhet

Hasan Mahmud produced a fiery six-wicket haul, but Bangladesh’s spinners failed to make an impact as the second day of the Sylhet Test unfolded in contrasting fashion. West Indies were bowled out for 356 in their first innings, but the hosts stumbled in reply, ending the day on 88-3, still 268 runs behind.

West Indies had resumed on 235-4 and added 121 runs before losing their remaining six wickets. Hasan, who had taken two wickets on the opening day, claimed four more for 32 runs on Thursday to finish with six for 90.

The haul not only halted West Indies’ push for a bigger total but also earned Hasan personal and national milestones.

It was his fifth Test five-wicket haul, the most by a Bangladesh fast bowler. He moved past Shahadat Hossain, who previously held the record with four. Hasan has also achieved the distinction of taking all five of his five-wicket hauls in five different countries against five different opponents.

Hasan changed the complexion of the match early on the second morning. Bowling with the second new ball, he struck twice in successive deliveries in his first over of the day, removing overnight centurion Aamir Jangoo and captain Roston Chase.

Jangoo, who had resumed on 111, was bowled for 133 after leaving a delivery angled in from outside off stump, only to lose his leg stump. Chase followed next ball, caught by Litton Das.

Hasan had a chance to complete a hat-trick, but Joshua Bishop successfully overturned an lbw decision after reviewing the umpire’s call. The ball had taken the inside edge before hitting his pad.

Hasan claimed his sixth wicket by bowling Shamar Joseph with a 128kph delivery that pitched on a length and moved back in. Joseph shuffled towards the leg side but failed to make contact, leaving his stumps disturbed.

West Indies lost four wickets for 87 runs in the morning session. After the break, they managed only 34 more runs before losing their final two wickets.

While Hasan was outstanding, Bangladesh’s spinners offered little support. As in the Mirpur Test, the team management opted for three spinners in Sylhet, but the lack of a third specialist fast bowler was again exposed.

Across West Indies’ 106.4-over innings, Hasan and Taskin Ahmed bowled 45 overs between them, while the three spinners delivered 61.4. Yet the two fast bowlers claimed eight of the 10 wickets. Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz took the other two, while Taijul Islam and Nayeem Hasan went wicketless.

Bangladesh then stumbled with the bat. Opener Shadman Islam had to be taken to hospital after injuring his ankle while fielding. In his absence, spinner Nayeem was promoted to open alongside Tanzid Hasan.

The experiment did not last long. Nayeem was caught at slip off Jayden Seales for a duck, while Tanzid fell for 16, caught at cover off Justin Greaves, with Bangladesh on 16.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto also failed to make a substantial contribution. He survived an early chance at slip when he was yet to score, but was eventually bowled by Shamar Joseph for 18 off 65 balls.

After losing three wickets for 51, Towhid Hridoy and Mushfiqur Rahim steadied the innings with an unbeaten fourth-wicket stand of 37. Hridoy was 29 not out and Mushfiq 19 at stumps.

Mushfiq is now just 24 runs away from becoming the first Bangladesh batter to reach 7,000 runs in Test cricket.