Mikyle Louis and Alick Athanaze fell agonizingly short of centuries on the first day of the Antigua Test against Bangladesh. Their 140-run fourth-wicket partnership, however, revitalized the West Indies innings, propelling them to 250 for 5 at stumps. Louis scored a patient 97 off 218 balls, while Athanaze made a brisk 90, both helping West Indies dominate most of the day.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, Bangladesh initially kept West Indies in check. Taskin Ahmed removed Kraigg Brathwaite (4) and Keacy Carty (0), while tight bowling from Hasan Mahmud and Shoriful Islam troubled the batters early. Louis, however, stood firm, finding support in Kavem Hodge (25), who was run out attempting a second run. Mikyle Louis and Athanaze then steadied the innings, adding pace after lunch.
Louis reached his half-century with a straight drive, while Athanaze began accelerating after tea. The duo struck boundaries off both seamers and spinners, with Athanaze deploying sweeps and reverse sweeps effectively. Louis even hit Mehidy Hasan Miraz for the first six of the day. However, Mehidy dismissed Louis on 97, caught at slip, breaking his maiden Test century hopes. Athanaze fell shortly after, edging Taijul Islam behind, marking his second dismissal in the nineties in Tests.
Despite losing their set batters, Justin Greaves and Joshua Da Silva added valuable runs with the second new ball before bad light and drizzle ended play after 84 overs. Bangladesh’s bowlers, including Taskin (2-46) and spinners Mehidy and Taijul, will look to capitalize on the opening created late on day one when play resumes.
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