Kavem Hodge’s Unbeaten 140 Puts West Indies in Command Against Bangladesh

Key points

1. Kavem Hodge scored an unbeaten 140 off 189 balls, with 17 fours and one six, as West Indies reached 345/3 at stumps on Day 4 of the second Test in Sylhet on November 8, 2026.
2. West Indies lead Bangladesh by 315 runs after posting 356 in their first innings and restricting Bangladesh to 386.
3. Brandon King scored 61 off 84 balls and shared an 85-run opening stand with Joshua Da Silva, who made 36.
4. Kevin Wickham scored 78 off 107 balls on his Test debut and shared a 165-run third-wicket partnership with Hodge.
5. Taijul Islam took two wickets for 118 runs, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz claimed one wicket for 58 in West Indies’ second innings.
6. Bangladesh’s highest successful fourth-innings chase remains 215, against West Indies in 2009, leaving them with a major challenge if West Indies set a target above that mark.
7. West Indies won the first Test and are seeking a series sweep in the second and final Test of the series.

Kavem Hodge produced a match-defining innings to put West Indies firmly in control of the second Test against Bangladesh, reaching an unbeaten 140 as the visitors closed Day 4 at 345 for three in their second innings in Sylhet. The lead stretched to 315 runs on Sunday, November 8, leaving Bangladesh with a difficult task to save the match and prevent a series sweep.

Hodge’s century was supported by half-centuries from Brandon King and Test debutant Kevin Wickham. West Indies began the day trailing Bangladesh’s first-innings total by 23 runs, but a strong batting display turned that deficit into a substantial advantage by stumps.

Hodge anchors West Indies’ second-innings charge

West Indies resumed at 7 without loss and made a confident start through King and Joshua Da Silva. The opening pair added 85 runs, with King taking the attack to the Bangladesh bowlers and Da Silva providing support. Da Silva was dismissed for 36 by Taijul Islam, before King reached 61 from 84 deliveries, including 10 fours and a six.

Mehidy Hasan Miraz removed King, caught by Najmul Hossain Shanto, to leave West Indies at 119 for two. That brought Hodge and Wickham together, and the pair went on to define the day. Hodge combined patience with attacking strokeplay, while Wickham showed composure in his first Test appearance.

The partnership grew to 165 runs for the third wicket. Hodge brought up his third Test century and continued batting through the final session, while Wickham reached 78 from 107 balls, striking seven fours and two sixes. Taijul eventually ended the stand by dismissing Wickham, who was caught and bowled, but the damage had been done.

Wickham makes an impressive Test debut

Wickham’s contribution added another significant chapter to his first Test. He had already scored a half-century in the first innings, and his 78 in the second meant he registered two fifties on debut. The ICC noted that he became the first West Indies batter in 48 years to achieve that feat.

His partnership with Hodge shifted the match decisively towards the visitors. Bangladesh had taken a first-innings lead after bowling West Indies out for 356 and scoring 386 in reply, but the third-wicket stand took the game away from the home side’s bowlers. Hodge and Wickham negotiated the spin threat and kept the scoreboard moving, with the lead passing 200 before tea.

After Wickham’s dismissal at 284 for three, Amir Jangoo joined Hodge and helped extend the advantage further. Jangoo was unbeaten on 20 at stumps, while Hodge remained 140 not out from 189 balls. West Indies finished the day at 345 for three, scoring at more than four runs per over.

Bangladesh face a steep final-day challenge

Bangladesh’s bowlers found some success but struggled to break the partnership between Hodge and Wickham. Taijul finished with two wickets for 118 runs in the second innings, while Mehidy took one for 58. The home side also missed opportunities in the field, including a dropped chance when Hodge was in the 50s and another reprieve later in his innings.

The scale of the task facing Bangladesh is clear from their Test record. Their highest successful fourth-innings chase remains 215, achieved against West Indies in 2009. With West Indies already 315 runs ahead and seven wickets still available, Bangladesh would need an exceptional final-day performance if they are to turn the match around.

West Indies entered the second Test after winning the series opener. A victory in Sylhet would therefore complete a 2-0 sweep in the two-match series. The visitors can decide how long to continue batting before setting a target, while Bangladesh must find a way to take wickets quickly and then produce a record-level chase.

West Indies close in on series victory

The fourth day belonged to Hodge and Wickham, whose partnership transformed a narrow first-innings deficit into a commanding position. King’s brisk half-century gave the innings momentum, and Hodge carried it through the closing overs after Wickham departed.

Bad light brought the day to an early close, with West Indies at 345 for three. Hodge will resume on the final day unbeaten on 140, with Jangoo alongside him on 20. Bangladesh need early wickets to limit the target, but the visitors have the advantage of time, runs and wickets in hand as they move towards a potential series sweep.