Gros Islet – An incisive spell from West Indies “A” left-arm pacer Colin Archibald stalled the progress of Bangladesh “A” on another rain-hit day in the second “Test” on Thursday in St Lucia.
At the close on the second day at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground, the visitors had reached 157 for five from the 50 overs possible due to a delayed start because of wet conditions caused by rain.
Mohammed Saif Hassan, not out on 23 at the start, was unbeaten on 63, while Shadman Islam was not out on 25 after he added only three to his overnight score.
Archibald spearheaded the hosts’ attack with 3-31, starting the day with one before producing two late strikes, which forced the Bangladeshis to stumble.
Resuming on 69 for one after only 34 overs were possible on the first day because of adverse weather, Bangladesh lost Shadman with five runs added when he prodded defensively at pacer Anderson Phillip was caught at a wide second slip by Alick Athanaze.
Saif then anchored a series of small partnerships, putting on 34 for the third wicket with Fazle Mahmud, 20 for the fourth wicket with Mohammad Mithun, and another 20 for the fifth wicket with Mohammad Zakir Hasan.
All told, Saif faced 217 balls in a little under five hours, and he counted half-dozen fours and a six.
Archibald countered for West Indies “A” late in the day, however, getting Mithun to glove a leg-side pull behind to wicketkeeper Tevin Imlach before Zakir edged a cut at a long hop to give Imlach his third catch of the innings.
Summarised scores:
Bangladesh “A” 157 for five (Mohammed Saif Hassan 63, Shadman Islam 25; Colin Archibald 3-31) vs West Indies “A”.
(CMC)