Chittagong, Oct 21: Opener Tamim Iqbal scored a steady half century and skipper Mushfiqur Rahim remained unbeaten on 68 to help Bangladesh reach 255-4 at stumps on Friday's opening day of the first test against West Indies.
Resuming at 165-3 after tea, Bangladesh lost Shakib Al Hasan, the only wicket in the final session, but Rahim batted confidently to ensure that the hosts enjoyed a solid start at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium. Shakib (40) was caught by wicketkeeper Carlton Baugh off Marlon Samuels (2-67).
Bangladesh was 74-1 at lunch but lost two more wickets in the second session as West Indies tried to break through the hosts' top order.
Rahim collected his total from 144 balls that included five boundaries. He remained unbeaten along with Naeem Islam who was not out on 8 at the close of play.
Iqbal collected his 52 from 141 balls that included five boundaries before he was caught by Kraigg Brathwaite off Samuels with Bangladesh on 110.
Skipper Darren Sammy (1-43) trapped Raqibul Hassan lbw on 41 in the 56th over.
Earlier, Bangladesh made a good start to justify its decision to bat first by moving to a creditable 74-1 at lunch.
Opener Imrul Kayes scored 10 before becoming the only player dismissed in the opening session, caught by Baugh off Ravi Rampaul.
Shahriar Nafees reached 21 before retiring hurt when a bouncer from Fidel Edwards struck him on the face after slipping through the grille of his helmet.
Nasir Hossain and Mohammad Ilias Sunny are making their test debuts for Bangladesh.
West Indies named Baugh as wicketkeeper, replacing Denesh Ramdin, who was behind the stumps in a limited overs game between the sides.
