WI lead B'desh by 98 runs after opening-stand push

West Indies reached 128 for two at lunch on Day 4 of the Sylhet Test, building a 98-run lead over Bangladesh despite strikes from spinners Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraj.

Resuming the day at seven for no loss following Towhid Hridoy's remarkable 242-run effort that earned Bangladesh a 30-run first-innings advantage, West Indies adopted an aggressive approach. Openers Brandon King and Joshua Da Silva forged an 85-run partnership at nearly four runs per over.

Bangladesh secured their first breakthrough when Taijul Islam trapped Da Silva leg-before-wicket for 36, breaking the opening stand after West Indies had established a 55-run lead.

Brandon King continued his fluent strokeplay to register his sixth Test half-century, combining with Kavem Hodge for a rapid 34-run second-wicket partnership.

Mehidy Hasan Miraj provided a crucial breakthrough just before the lunch break, removing King for 61. The opener edged a delivery to Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto at slip while attempting a front-foot defense.

At the lunch break, Kavem Hodge remained unbeaten on 30 alongside Kevin Wickham, who was yet to score, with West Indies completing 34 overs in their second innings.

-EM