BackBangladesh got off to an impressive start in the second and final Test against West Indies at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, with their fast bowlers making full use of the conditions on the opening day. After winning the toss and opting to bat, the visitors found themselves in early trouble as Bangladesh struck three times inside the first nine overs. Among the early breakthroughs, Hasan Mahmud produced a particularly eye-catching delivery to dismiss Kavem Hodge, leaving the batter with little opportunity to respond.
The dismissal came during the fifth delivery of the sixth over when Mahmud bowled a superb delivery that completely deceived Hodge. The Bangladesh pacer pitched the ball on a back-of-a-length outside-off line, forcing the West Indies batter into a decision that ultimately proved costly.
Hodge had successfully left a similar delivery earlier in the over. However, this time, the ball seamed back sharply after pitching and skidded through the surface. The right-hander raised his bat, expecting the delivery to move away from him, but the ball sneaked past his defence and crashed into the top of middle stump.
The stumps were sent flying, bringing an end to Hodge’s brief stay at the crease. The Bangladesh players immediately celebrated the breakthrough, while Mahmud had every reason to be delighted with his execution.
Bowled him! Hasan Mahmud cleans up Kavem Hodge with a straight delivery. What a beauty! pic.twitter.com/8EjnqX5aFQ
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) November 5, 2026
Mahmud was not the only Bangladesh pacer to make an impact during the opening session. Taskin Ahmed complemented his teammate brilliantly, claiming two important wickets to put the visitors under immediate pressure.
West Indies entered the contest with two changes to their playing XI after opening batters John Campbell and Tagenarine Chanderpaul were ruled out because of viral fever. Kevin Wickham received his maiden Test cap, while Joshua Da Silva returned to the side.
However, Da Silva could not make a significant contribution with the bat, falling for 12 runs to Taskin. Wickham subsequently joined Amir Jangoo in the middle, and the pair put together a crucial partnership to prevent further damage. Both batters reached their respective half-centuries, helping West Indies recover from their disastrous start and finish the second session in a much stronger position.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh welcomed back experienced campaigner Mushfiqur Rahim, who returned after recovering from a finger injury. Taskin also featured in the playing XI, with Shoriful Islam and the injured Mominul Haque making way.