Brathwaite hits second Test hundred as Windies flourish

Kingstown (St. Vincent), Sep 6 (IANS/CMC) Kraigg Brathwaite's penchant for heavy run-scoring continued here as he stroked his second Test century to headline West Indies' domination of the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh.

The 21-year-old right-hander was unbeaten on 123 at the close at Arnos Vale Friday, an innings that helped propel the hosts to 264 for three, after they were sent in on a decent batting strip, reports CMC.

Along the way, the Barbadian added 116 for the first wicket with talismanic left-hander Chris Gayle who struck 64, before posting another 128 for the third wicket with Darren Bravo who stroked 62.

Debutant left-arm spinner Taijul Islam was the best bowler for the visitors, capturing two for 69.

However, it was Brathwaite who made all the headlines, batting the entire day, facing 269 balls and striking eight fours.

As expected, he played the supporting role to Gayle early on, as the Jamaican emerged from a slowish start to dominate the Bangladesh bowling. He batted 143 minutes, faced 105 balls and counted ten fours and a six.

Gayle needed 13 balls to get off the mark but then slowly got into stride, with two successive boundaries off seamer Rubel Hossain in the day's fourth over.

Brief Scores:

West Indies: 264 for three (Kraigg Brathwaite 123 not out, Chris Gayle 64, Darren Bravo 62; Taijul Islam 2-69)

--IANS/CMC

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