Chanderpaul, Blackwood put Windies in command

Gros Islet (St. Lucia), Sep 16 (IANS/CMC) Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s second half-century of the match and third in as many innings, propelled the West Indies to a massive lead and left Bangladesh with a huge task of saving the second cricket Test.

At the close of the third day here Monday, the West Indies were 208 for four, already a lead of 427 runs, with two days still left in the contest at the Beausejour Cricket Ground, reports CMC.

Once again, it was Chanderpaul who was at the heart of the Windies progress, finishing on 63 not out to follow up his unbeaten 84 in the first innings.

He had added 108 for the fifth wicket with Jermaine Blackwood, who was in sight of his second Test half-century on 43.

Their stand was required when the West Indies slumped to 100 for four, 20 minutes after tea, courtesy of a double strike by off-spinner Mahmudullah who removed Darren Bravo for seven and then opener Kraigg Brathwaite in quick succession.

Chanderpaul has so far faced 98 balls and struck five fours while Blackwood has hit a four and a six off 96 deliveries.

West Indies had earlier claimed a commanding 219-run lead, after left-arm spinner Sulieman Benn picked up two of the last three wickets to fall as Bangladesh were bowled out for 161 in their first innings.

Resuming from their overnight 104 for seven, the visitors were eventually dismissed 20 minutes before lunch, with Benn finishing with two for 19.

Seamers Kemar Roach, who took five for 42, and Jerome Taylor, two for 41, failed to add to their spoils from Sunday.

Brief Scores: 

West Indies: 380 all out (Shivnarine Chanderpaul 84 not out, Leon Johnson 66, Kraigg Brathwaite 63, Darren Bravo 46; Al-Amin Hossain 3-80, Robiul Islam 2-63, Shafiul Islam 2-80) and 208 for four (Shivnarine Chanderpaul 63 not out, Kraigg Brathwaite 45, Jermaine Blackwood 43 not out; Mahmudullah 2-37)

Bangladesh: 161 all out (Mahmudullah 53, Tamim Iqbal 48; Kemar Roach 5-42, Jerome Taylor 2-41, Sulieman Benn 2-19)

--IANS/CMC