Nayeem fights on as rain halts play against West Indies

Nayeem Hasan's career-best unbeaten 49 helped Bangladesh add some crucial runs before rain halted play on Day Four of their first Test against West Indies at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur today.

Having resumed the day at 79 for six in 29 overs, Bangladesh reached 132 for nine in 46 overs, stretching their lead to 159 runs after just over an hour's play in the first session before rain halted proceedings.

Bangladesh started the day on the wrong foot, losing their last recognised batter, Jaker Ali, in the very first over. Jaker, who came into the game as a concussion substitute for Mominul Haque, edged a Jomel Warrican delivery through to the wicketkeeper to depart for a 34-ball 22.

Warrican then trapped Hasan Mahmud leg-before before West Indies skipper Roston Chase dismissed Taijul Islam in similar fashion. Hasan Mahmud contributed 8 off 31, while Taijul Islam managed 8 off 16.

Nayeem, however, carried on from one end, putting together small partnerships despite riding his luck. The off-spinner was dropped twice, on 21 and 29, but made the most of those reprieves to register his career-best Test score of 49.

Nayeem is now at the crease with last man Shoriful Islam, who is yet to open his account after facing three deliveries. The off-spinner will be hoping to reach his maiden Test fifty and add as many runs as possible to Bangladesh's total when play resumes.