Hodge's century puts West Indies in command against Bangladesh

A scintillating century from Kavem Hodge put West Indies in a commanding position in the second and final Test against Bangladesh at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, leaving the visitors firmly on course for a series sweep.

Hodge's unbeaten 140, supported by half-centuries from Kevin Wickham (78) and opener Brandon King (61), took West Indies to 345 for three at stumps on the fourth day. Their overall lead stood at 315 runs.

With just one day remaining, West Indies are firmly in control and well placed to set Bangladesh a formidable target in the fourth innings. The visitors are now the only side realistically positioned to push for victory.

West Indies resumed their second innings at seven without loss, looking to overcome a 30-run deficit from the first innings. Bangladesh's bowlers struggled to make an impact for much of the day.

King and Joshua Da Silva added 85 runs for the opening wicket before left-arm spinner Taijul Islam broke the partnership, trapping Da Silva leg-before for 36.

King continued to bat fluently and brought up his sixth Test half-century before falling to off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz for 61. His 84-ball innings included 10 fours and a six.

The two quick wickets briefly offered Bangladesh an opportunity to put the visitors under pressure with spin. However, Hodge and debutant Wickham soon took control, using their feet effectively and sweeping the spinners with precision.

The pair added 131 runs for the third wicket to strengthen West Indies' position.

Wickham, who had scored 61 in the first innings, registered his second half-century of the match on his Test debut. He reached the milestone off 68 balls with a boundary through extra cover.

He looked set to score a maiden Test century but was dismissed for 78 after chipping a delivery from Taijul straight back to the bowler.

Taijul finished the day with figures of two for 118, while Bangladesh's other bowlers found it difficult to contain the West Indies batters.

Hodge, meanwhile, remained untroubled and continued his attacking approach. He brought up his third Test century off 142 balls, sweeping Taijul towards square leg for a single.

He was unbeaten on 140 at the close, while Amir Jangoo, who scored a century in the first innings, was batting on 20.

Play was eventually called off due to bad light, leaving Bangladesh with a daunting challenge on the final day.

Earlier, Hasan Mahmud claimed six wickets for 90 runs to bowl West Indies out for 356 in their first innings. Bangladesh responded with 386, taking a crucial 30-run lead, largely thanks to Towhid Hridoy's monumental unbeaten 242.