DHAKA, Bangladesh, CMC – West Indies A seized control of the opening four-day “Test” against Bangladesh A yesterday, after bundling the hosts out cheaply and then building a massive lead at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium.
The regional squad routed Bangladesh A for a paltry 125 all out and at the close, had marched to 162 for two in their second innings, already 322 runs ahead overall with two days to play.
Left-handed opener Devon Smith sustained his form with a fine 62 while Barbados middle order batsman Kirk Edwards was unbeaten on 55.
It was off-spinner Shane Shillingford, however, who put West Indies A in control of the game with a spell of four for 30 that broke the backbone of the Bangladeshi batting.
He was supported by leg-spinner Odean Brown who captured two for 24, as Bangladesh were left with an uphill task to save the match.
Resuming at their overnight 22 for one, captain Nazimuddin and Marshall Ayub extended the stand for the second wicket to 53 before Shillingford got the breakthrough, removing the right-handed Nazimuddin for 33 off 44 balls with six fours.
Three balls later in the next over, Ayub fell to fast bowler Gavin Tonge after scoring 21 off 35 balls with three fours, sparking a slide which saw eight wickets tumble for just 64 runs.
Shillingford accounted for the dangerous pair of Faisal Hossain (9) and Mahmudul Hasan (0) in quick succession as they innings fell away badly.
Smith and captain Travis Dowlin then ensured there would be no hiccups by adding 75 for the first wicket as West Indies A tightened their grip.
The 28-year-old hit six fours in an innings that spanned 109 balls and 157 minutes while Dowlin stroked 32 off 58 balls with five fours.
Smith and Edwards, whose 55 has so far contained nine fours and required 96 balls in 119 minutes, shared a further 44 for the second wicket to keep West Indies A on top. Left-arm spinner Suhrawadi Shuvo, who grabbed six wickets in the Windies A first innings of 285, has so far taken two for 63.
