Jordan, McKenzie propel West Indies ‘A’ into control against Bangladesh ‘A’

West Indies ‘A’ took charge of the second unofficial Test against Bangladesh ‘A’ at the Syhlet International Stadium Wednesday, thanks to Akeem Jordan’s impressive five-wicket haul and strong batting performances from Kirk McKenzie and Keacy Carty.

Bangladesh ‘A’ resumed their innings from the rain-shortened opening day at 175-5 and were eventually bowled out for 237 in 65.3 overs.

Shahadat Hossain, not out overnight on 28, fought hard to make 73, but Hasan could only add five runs to his overnight score of 12. Jordan, Anderson Phillip, and Jair McAllister combined brilliantly to claim the last five Bangladeshi wickets for just 62 runs.

Jordan finished with exceptional figures of 5-45, supported by Phillip with 2-67 and McAllister with 1-58. Kevin Sinclair also made an impact with 2-44.

In their response, West Indies ‘A’ started strongly despite losing opening partner Tagenarine Chanderpaul early.

Kirk McKenzie, continuing his good form from the first Test, played an enterprising knock of 91, accompanied by Raymon Reifer’s contribution of 37. The two built a crucial partnership of 116 for the second wicket. However, a sudden collapse saw the tourists lose three wickets for just seven runs in the following two overs.

McKenzie’s innings of 91 came to an end after a brief partnership with Alick Athanaze, who took the score to 139-3 before falling lbw for 45. Brandon King’s poor form continued as he was dismissed for a duck, marking his second consecutive failure in the series.

Athanaze and Keacy Carty then steadied the innings with a 79-run partnership, taking the team past the 200-run mark and within 19 runs of Bangladesh ‘A’s score.

Athanaze’s dismissal for 45 to Saif Hasan, who had earlier dismissed King, interrupted their progress.

Carty and Captain Joshua da Silva continued the recovery, guiding West Indies ‘A’ to 266 before Carty was unfortunately run out for a well-played 68.

At stumps, da Silva remained unbeaten on nine, accompanied by Kevin Sinclair on one. West Indies closed the day on 268-6, holding a 31-run lead heading into the third day.

The first Test between the two teams ended in a draw due to rain interruptions. (SportsMax)