Kavem Hodge produced a career-best unbeaten 140 to put the West Indies in a commanding position against Bangladesh on the fourth day of the second and final Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, November 8.
The visitors closed the day on 345 for three in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 315 runs and leaving Bangladesh facing a formidable challenge heading into the final day.
Hodge’s outstanding innings, supported by half-centuries from Brandon King and debutant Kevin Wickham, transformed the contest after Bangladesh secured a 30-run first-innings advantage.
Bangladesh had earlier posted 386, built around Towhid Hridoy’s magnificent unbeaten 242, while the West Indies were dismissed for 356 in their first innings.
Starting their second innings seven without loss, the Caribbean side responded with determination. King and Joshua Da Silva established an 85-run opening partnership before Taijul Islam removed Da Silva for 36.
King continued to attack the Bangladesh bowling, reaching 61 from 84 deliveries, including 10 boundaries and a six, before falling to Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Hodge then combined with Wickham to take control of the innings. The pair added 131 runs for the third wicket, frustrating Bangladesh’s bowlers and steadily increasing the visitors’ advantage.
Wickham, making his Test debut, continued his impressive introduction to international cricket with 78, following his first-innings half-century of 61. He became the first West Indies batter in 48 years to score half-centuries in both innings of a Test debut.
His dismissal by Taijul Islam brought Amir Jangoo to the crease, but Hodge remained firmly in control.
The right-handed batter reached his third Test century from 142 deliveries and finished unbeaten on 140, while Jangoo was 20 not out when bad light brought an early end to play.
Taijul finished with two wickets for 118 runs, but Bangladesh struggled to contain the West Indies’ aggressive batting approach.
The fourth day’s performance has placed the visitors in a strong position to complete a series sweep, having already won the opening Test.
Bangladesh must now produce a major final-day effort to prevent defeat, while the West Indies will be looking to convert their substantial advantage into another victory.
Match position at the close of Day Four:
- West Indies: 356 and 345-3
- Bangladesh: 386
- West Indies lead by 315 runs.
