Windies on top as Chanderpaul hits double ton

Thursday, 15 November 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: West Indies' Shivnarine Chanderpaul hit his second ever double century and Denesh Ramdin struck an unbeaten 126 as the tourists took command of the first test against Bangladesh on Wednesday.

West Indies declared their first innings at 527 for four just before tea on the second day after Chanderpaul reached 203 to equal his career best innings.

The hosts responded in typically aggressive manner and lost three wickets to leave them on 164-3 at the close.

Tamim Iqbal, who led the Bangladesh attack, was the last man out, caught by Sunil Narine at mid-on off Darren Sammy for 72 from 71 balls.

Earlier, West Indies' Ravi Rampaul took the wickets of opener Zunaed Siddique (seven) and Shahriar Nafees, who made a quick-fire 31 off 27 balls, but Tamim was unperturbed.

The left-hander brought up his 12th test 50 off only 38 balls when he charged off-spinner Narine down the track for a six and struck an almost identical six three balls later to help Bangladesh past the 100-run mark in 13.4 overs.

The hosts, who still need 164 runs to avoid the follow on, slowed down after Tamim's dismissal as Naeem Islam, unbeaten on 27, survived alongside Shakib Al Hasan (16 not out).

West Indies dominated the first two sessions and added 166 runs to their overnight 361-4 without losing another wicket.

Chanderpaul, who joined West Indies' Garry Sobers on 26 test centuries, faced 372 balls and struck 22 fours during his more than 7-1/2 hours at the crease.

"If you noticed I didn't score too many test 200s. I only had one before this game, so it is always pleasing to get past that landmark," Chanderpaul told reporters.

"(But) Sir Garry is Sir Garry. Being level on centuries with Sir Garry is always good but I cannot be Sir Garry,' he added.

"I have played a lot more games than Sir Garry but it's a great honour to be with Sir Gary."