On Day 4 of the first Test between West Indies and Bangladesh at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua, West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach delivered a sensational spell, grabbing the limelight with a stunning dismissal of Bangladesh opener Zakir Hasan for a duck.
Kemar Roach strikes early with brilliant delivery
Roach wasted no time in making an impact as the second innings began. In his opening over, Roach bowled a short-length delivery just outside off stump to Hasan. The Bangladesh opener, attempting to defend, pushed at the ball away from his body. However, his technique let him down as the ball brushed the inside edge of his bat, deflected onto his thigh, and clattered into the stumps, sending him back to the pavilion for a duck.
Roach celebrated the wicket with a double fist-pump, before turning to the umpire, Kumar Dharmasena, to check if he had overstepped. After receiving confirmation that the delivery was legal, Roach returned to his jubilant teammates. It was a dream start for the West Indies and a poor one for Bangladesh, as the opener failed to get off the mark after facing just four balls.
Here is the video:
Out the gates with a fantastic start!💥
Roach grabs his 1st in the innings.#WIvBAN | #WIHomeForChristmas pic.twitter.com/EfTOjR9tgp
— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) November 25, 2024
Roach’s brilliance didn’t end there. The experienced paceman was a key figure in the West Indies second innings, claiming three wickets in his eight-over spell. Roach’s impeccable line and length troubled Bangladesh’s batter throughout the day, as he gave away just 20 runs, continuing to maintain pressure on the visitors. His performance reaffirmed why he is regarded as one of the premier Test bowlers for the West Indies.
Also READ: West Indies close in on victory as Bangladesh collapse on chaotic Day 4 in Antigua Test
Bangladesh in deep trouble
By the close of play on Day 4, Bangladesh was in a precarious position, having scored only 107 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. With 225 more runs needed to win and just three wickets remaining, Bangladesh faces an uphill battle on the final day of the Test match.
Roach wasn’t the only West Indies pacer making life difficult for Bangladesh. Jayden Seals, the 23-year-old right-arm medium-fast bowler, also stood out with the ball. Seals claimed three wickets in his nine-over spell, giving away just 22 runs. The young pacer’s fiery pace and accuracy played a pivotal role in the West Indies’ dominance on Day 4. Together with Roach, Seals ensured that Bangladesh’s chase of 334 runs was becoming increasingly difficult.