Bangladesh’s left-arm spinner Taijul Islam believes a lead of 250 runs will be enough for them to win the first Test of the ongoing two-match series against the West Indies.
The hosts ended the third day with a lead of 218 with seven wickets in hand as they were on 47/3 at stumps after taking a 171-run first-innings lead at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium.
“250 runs will be enough on this wicket to win,” said Taijul, who got a wicket in the very first ball of the third morning.
“However, if we bowl as poorly as we did in the first session, it will be tough. But if we may bowl as good as second innings, 250 will be adequate. We hope to give them a target of 300 to 350,” added the 28-year old bowler, who got two wickets in the West Indies first innings.
The wicket of ZACS is yet to show any unruly behavior to batsmen as it was seen that anybody can stay for a long innings on the deck with the proper mindset.
West Indies batsmen faced Bangladesh spinners comfortably before a whirlwind period saw them collapse completely.
However, it was rather suicidal acts from the batsmen as they lost five wickets for six runs with casual shots either side of the tea break.
The third day of the first Test between Bangladesh and the West Indies proved the saying - morning shows the day - as plethora of wickets fell in the day, initiated by one falling off the very first delivery.
Posted by Sports Tribune on Friday, 5 February 2021
“I do not know what to expect on fourth day track. If their [West Indies] spinners may put the ball on the right spot, they will get success,” said Taijul.
Ace-all rounder Shakib al Hasan could not take to the field during the third day due to his injury that he sustained on the second evening and is supposed to be absent on the fourth day as well.
In his absence, Taijul has to take the lead in the three-man spin attack as the most senior member.
Taijul said he was confident of winning even without Shakib.
Meanwhile, West Indies batsman Jermaine Blackwood, who made highest 68, believes they also have big chance to salvage the match.
“We have to take it hour by hour, session by session. Once it comes down to that, the guys are very much up to it. I know Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell and Nkrumah Bonner are hungry for runs. I know the guys like [Kyle] Mayers and [Shayne] Moseley want to get some runs under their belt as well. Once the opportunity presents itself to win, we will certainly go for it,” said Blackwood.
Despite a well-constructed innings, Blackwood got out in a crucial juncture of the game that saw the visitors face a disastrous collapse, handing the hosts control of the game.
“It was very frustrating. I really wanted to convert more of these half centuries into centuries. I am stepping into the right direction. But I was very disappointed at the way I got out. Next innings I have to hold down my head and bat in the same fashion,” said Blackwood.
