Bangladesh produced a remarkable turnaround on Day 3 of the second Test against the West Indies at Sabina Park, Jamaica, to take a commanding position in the match. Powered by Nahid Rana's maiden five-wicket haul, the visitors bowled out the hosts for 146 in the first innings and established a surprising 18-run lead. By stumps, Bangladesh extended their advantage to 211 runs, finishing the day at 193 for 5 in their second innings.

The Nahid Rana Show

Bangladesh’s day began with West Indies resuming at 70 for 1, well-poised to gain a significant lead. However, the script flipped dramatically as Nahid Rana delivered a devastating spell of pace bowling. Consistently clocking 150 kph, the young speedster rattled the opposition, removing captain Kraigg Brathwaite with a sharp, rising delivery and triggering a collapse. The hosts lost their remaining nine wickets for just 61 runs in the morning session.

Rana’s spell of 5 for 61 was a mix of raw pace and precision, a significant improvement from his erratic start earlier this year. He was well-supported by Taskin Ahmed (1 for 20) and Hasan Mahmud (2 for 19), while spinners Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with key breakthroughs.

Rana’s efforts included a memorable dismissal of Alzarri Joseph, deceiving the batter with a slower ball that ended in a tumbling catch by Mehidy. His fiery bowling was complemented by sharp fielding, including a stunning one-handed grab by Litton Das to dismiss Kavem Hodge.

Bangladesh’s Batting Revival

Bangladesh’s second innings was a tale of counter-attacking cricket. After the early dismissal of Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shahadat Hossain, promoted to No. 3, launched a brisk assault. His 26-ball 28, studded with four boundaries, lifted the team’s spirits before he fell to Alzarri Joseph.

Shadman Islam (46 off 82) and Mehidy Hasan Miraz (42 off 39) continued the aggressive approach, combining for a 70-run stand. Mehidy struck four consecutive boundaries off Shamar Joseph, showcasing his dominance, while Shadman balanced attack with caution. Both fell shortly after tea, but their contributions ensured Bangladesh extended their lead to a significant margin.

Jaker Ali held firm in the final session, adding crucial runs to stretch Bangladesh’s lead past 200, with Litton Das chipping in a valuable 25. The innings wasn’t without drama, as West Indies bowlers and fielders engaged in verbal spats with Bangladeshi batters, prompting multiple interventions from umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Asif Yaqoob.

The First-Innings Turnaround

The day’s highlight remained Bangladesh’s stunning effort with the ball in the morning session. Rana’s fiery spell dismantled a West Indies batting lineup that seemed set to dominate. Brathwaite (39) and Keacy Carty (40) were the only players to offer resistance, but the rest faltered under the relentless pace and bounce extracted by the Bangladeshi pacers.

Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud complemented Rana’s aggression with tight, disciplined bowling, while spinners Taijul and Mehidy ensured no respite for the hosts. Taijul’s delivery to bowl Justin Greaves and Hasan’s dismissal of Carty were standout moments.

Coach’s Corner

Bangladesh bowling coach Andre Adams lauded Rana’s performance, highlighting the pacer’s improved accuracy since his debut. “When you bowl at 150 kph, wickets will come. It’s about harnessing that pace with consistency, and Rana has shown tremendous progress,” Adams said. He also credited Taskin Ahmed and Hasan Mahmud for mentoring Rana, emphasizing the importance of workload management to sustain his performance.

The Road Ahead

By the end of Day 3, Bangladesh had achieved a position of strength, a rarity in their overseas Test history. Their lead of 211 runs on a pitch easing for batters puts immense pressure on the West Indies, who must mount a record chase to salvage the game.

The hosts’ bowling attack, led by Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales, struggled to maintain discipline as the Bangladesh batters counterattacked. Kemar Roach’s delayed entry into the attack due to an injury added to their woes.

Bangladesh’s resurgence, marked by disciplined bowling and aggressive batting, sets up an exciting Day 4. A victory here would not only secure a historic Test win but also mark a significant milestone in their progress as a competitive force in international cricket.

Match Summary:

Bangladesh: 164 & 193/5 (Shadman 46, Mehidy 42, Shamar 2/70)

West Indies: 146 (Carty 40, Brathwaite 39, Rana 5/61)

Lead: Bangladesh by 211 runs

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