WI vs BAN 1st Test: Louis, Athanaze give West Indies edge on day one

Mikyle Louis and Alick Athanaze fell agonizingly short of maiden centuries as the West Indies rallied from 25 for 2 to 250 for 5 against Bangladesh on the first day of the first Test.

WI vs BAN 1st Test: Louis, Athanaze give West Indies edge on day one (Reuters Photo)

Mikyle Louis and Alick Athanaze fell heartbreakingly short of maiden centuries but powered the West Indies to 250 for 5 against Bangladesh on Day 1 of the first Test on Friday. Their crucial 140-run fourth-wicket stand lifted the hosts after a shaky start at 25 for 2. Louis scored a career-best 97, while Athanaze contributed a fluent 90. Justin Greaves (11*) and Joshua Da Silva (14*) were unbeaten at stumps, looking further to consolidate the West Indies' position on Day 2.

The day began with West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite (4) and Keacy Carty (0) falling early to Taskin Ahmed, who bowled with precision to leave the hosts reeling. Louis then steadied the ship with a 59-run partnership alongside Kavem Hodge (25). Hodge was run out in the 38th over while attempting a risky second run, leaving the West Indies vulnerable at 84 for 3.

Louis and Athanaze rebuilt the innings with resilience and flair. Louis, dropped on 90 by Bangladesh skipper Mehidy Hasan Miraz at slip, grew increasingly cautious in the 90s. Eventually, his frustration led to his dismissal for 97 as he attempted an ambitious drive off Mehidy, edging to Shahadat Hossain at slip.

"I was just unfortunate not to reach three figures," Louis said. "The pitch eased up as the day progressed, making it easier to bat."

Athanaze looked set for a century after reaching his third Test fifty in commanding style. However, he misjudged a sweep against Taijul Islam and was caught by Litton Das for 90, marking his second dismissal in the 90s in just four innings. His confident knock featured 10 fours and a six, with the last 40 runs coming off just 45 balls.

Bangladesh's bowlers initially exploited the pitch's moisture, dominating the first session as the West Indies limped to lunch at 50 for 2. Taskin finished with figures of 2 for 46, while Taijul's accuracy yielded key breakthroughs.

Despite early setbacks, the West Indies' middle-order resilience had given them the upper hand heading into Day 2. Bangladesh will aim for early wickets to claw back into the contest.