COOLIDGE, Antigua- Jeremy Solozano is eyeing a century while his opening partner Tagenarine Chanderpaul further enhanced his reputation with a half-century, as CWI President’s XI batted well on the second day of their three-day tour match against Bangladesh.
Playing at Coolidge Cricket Ground on Saturday, Solozano made a patient 83 not out and will resume on Sunday in sight of three figures. The compact Chanderpaul hit 59, innings which lifted the hosts to 201-4 at the close. Solozano will re-start his vigil alongside captain Yannic Cariah (21 not out). They have so far added 34 in an unbroken fifth-wicket stand.
Left-handers Solozano and Chanderpaul both played brilliantly in a first-wicket stand of 109.Solozano struck ten fours off 174 balls in a shade over 4-½ hours while Chanderpaul hit eight fours and a six off 117 balls in nearly 2-½ hours. The six was a tremendous straight drive off left-arm spinner Taijul Islam which landed on the roof of the main stand.
When Chanderpaul was bowled off the inside edge by seamer Rejaur Rahman, Solozano put on a further 46 for the second wicket with Tevin Imlach (27) before the President’s XI stumbled, losing three wickets for 12 runs in quick time.
Pacer Ebadot Hossain (3-56) was responsible for the slide, trapping Imlach and then new batsman Alick Athanaze lbw with successive deliveries. Ebadot also removed Roston Chase cheaply for six a few overs later before Solozano found an ally in captain Cariah.
Earlier, Bangladesh had earlier declared on 310-7 after resuming the morning on 274-6, left-handed opener Tamim Iqbal stretched his overnight 140 to 162 not out. The experienced left-hander struck 21 fours and a six off 287 balls in almost 6-¾ hours at the crease.
The match resume on the third and final day, Sunday at 10 am (9 am Jamaica). Bangladesh are using the match as preparation for the first Test match against West Indies to be played at the Sir Vivian Richards Ground from June 16-20.