Hridoy's record-breaking 242 puts Bangladesh in command against West Indies

Unbeaten double century gives hosts 30-run first-innings lead as visitors reach 7 without loss on day threeSport Correspondent: Towhid Hridoy produced a remarkable batting masterclass, converting his maiden Test century into an unbeaten double hundred to put Bangladesh in a commanding position against West Indies in the second and final Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.The 25-year-old's record-breaking 242 not out propelled Bangladesh to 386 in their first innings, securing a valuable 30-run lead after the hosts had been struggling at 22 for two and later faced the prospect of conceding a significant deficit.West Indies reached seven without loss in their second innings before bad light forced an early close to the third day's play, leaving the contest finely poised but with Bangladesh holding the advantage.Hridoy's magnificent innings came off 359 deliveries and included 22 boundaries and 11 sixes. It was an outstanding display of patience, determination and attacking flair that rescued Bangladesh from a difficult position and transformed the match.With this achievement, Hridoy became only the fourth Bangladeshi batter to score a double century in Test cricket, joining Mushfiqur Rahim, Shakib Al Hasan and Tamim Iqbal. More importantly, he surpassed Mushfiqur's previous national record of 219 to become Bangladesh's highest individual run-scorer in a Test innings.He also created history by becoming the first Bangladeshi batter to turn his maiden Test century into a double hundred, achieving the feat in just his third Test appearance.The foundation of this extraordinary innings was laid when Hridoy came to the crease with Bangladesh in trouble. Rather than allowing the pressure to dictate his approach, he showed remarkable composure and gradually built an innings that would eventually change the course of the match.Resuming the third day at 88 for three, Hridoy and Mushfiqur Rahim initially looked comfortable against the West Indies attack. Their 73-run partnership provided some stability before left-arm spinner Jomel Warrican dismissed Mushfiqur for 34.The visitors then tightened their grip on the contest. Warrican and captain Roston Chase struck repeatedly, reducing Bangladesh to 184 for seven and raising hopes of a substantial first-innings advantage for West Indies.However, Hridoy refused to surrender the initiative. Finding an important partner in Taijul Islam, he rebuilt the innings through a crucial 117-run eighth-wicket stand. Their partnership carried Bangladesh past the 300-run mark and restored the hosts' hopes.Hridoy reached his maiden Test century off 171 balls, taking a single off Chase in the final over before lunch. But the century was only the beginning of something extraordinary.After reaching three figures, he accelerated dramatically, taking the attack to the West Indies bowlers with a series of powerful strokes. Ten of his 11 sixes came after his hundred, underlining the remarkable change in momentum.Although Warrican eventually dismissed Taijul for 22, Hridoy continued his assault with the lower order. He and Taskin Ahmed added 85 runs for the ninth wicket, further strengthening Bangladesh's position and taking the hosts into the lead.Hridoy completed his double century off 304 balls, steering a delivery from Warrican towards long-off for a single. His achievement was greeted as a landmark moment for Bangladesh cricket.Warrican finished with four wickets for 104 runs, while Jayden Seales dismissed Taskin Ahmed to bring Bangladesh's innings to an end at 386. Opener Shadman Islam was unable to bat after sustaining an ankle injury on the second day.Bangladesh, however, will need to make better use of their bowling opportunities when play resumes. The hosts squandered two reviews in the opening over of West Indies' second innings, allowing the visitors to negotiate the remaining four overs without losing a wicket.Brandon King and Joshua da Silva were unbeaten on the resumption of play, with West Indies reaching seven without loss at stumps.With a 30-run first-innings lead already secured, Bangladesh will look to their bowlers to build on Hridoy's extraordinary effort and put the visitors under pressure.For Hridoy, the unbeaten 242 is more than just a personal milestone. It is an innings that has rewritten Bangladesh's Test record books and given the country fresh hope of securing a memorable result in the series-deciding encounter.