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Sarwan doubles trouble for B'desh

Monday, June 7 2004

The runs continued to flow of the West Indian bats at Sabina Park today, as the home side took a commanding position at the close of the third day's play. Vice-captain Ramnaresh Sarwan, dropped by Sarkar on 21 yesterday, advanced to his fifth Test match hundred and maiden double hundred, ending unbeaten on 261 when Lara declared at 559/4. Bangladesh then lost 3 wickets and ended play needing 209 runs to make the West Indies bat again.

Between Chanderpaul and Sarwan, some 262 runs were added in an unbroken fifth wicket stand, after Tino Best (4) departed early in the first session. Sarwan looked at total ease and played a range of delightful strokes, particularly against the spinners. His double century took 338 balls and he scored a single off his 389th ball to third man for his 250. The innings contained 32 fours and is Sarwan's first trip past 200 in first-class cricket as well as the highest individual Test innings by a Guyanese batsman.

Not to be forgotten in the Sarwan fanfare is Shivnarine Chanderpaul. The senior left-hander found his first real Test form of the season and executed a range of beautifully-timed strokes through the off-side. His century took 189 balls and contained 11 fours, before he ended not out at 101. Immediately after he reached the milestone (his 10th such) Lara called the innings closed with a lead of 275 runs and 20 overs left in the day.

Facing an uphill battle save the game, Bangladesh began their second stride and faced some fine bowling from Collins and Best. Sarkar avoided a pair with an edged four to third man but managed just 10 runs before Collins struck him in front for the third time in four innings. Javed Omar (5) perished to the fierce pace of Best, caught clipping a ball off his body to Dwayne Smith. Rajin Saleh came to the crease but couldn't get a run and was also well-caught by Smith, this one off Collins - 34/3.

Still 241 runs behind with just 7 wickets in hand, Bangladesh looked to their captain to do the near impossible. He batted to the close and will resume on 28 tomorrow. With him is Manjural Islan Rana (7 not out) and the Bangladesh score is 66/3, still 209 runs behind on first innings.

Match Summary:

Bangladesh 1st innings 286 ao (95 overs)
(Tapash Baisya 48, Rajin Saleh 47, Khaled Mashud 39)
(OAC Banks 4/87, PT Collins 3/64, FH Edwards 2/66)

West Indies 1st innings 559/4 dec. (151 overs)
(RR Sarwan 261 not out, BC Lara 120, S Chanderpaul 101 not out)

Bangladesh 2nd innings 66/3 (20 overs)
(Habibul Bashar 28 not out)
(PT Collins 2/17)

Posted by Liam