Bangladesh ended the day losing 269 for 9 on the third day of the Antigua Test. The visitors are still 181 runs behind the West Indies' first innings of 450 for 9 declared.

The hosts maintained control of the game at the end of the day with excellent performance from their bowlers. Bangladesh were almost forced to follow-on, but Zaker Ali's brilliant fifty at the end helped them avoid follow-on.

Bangladesh batsmen tried to play steadily on the slow pitch, but none of them could play a big innings. Zaker Ali (53) and Mominul Haque (50) scored half-centuries but were quickly out. Liton Das was also stopped for 40 runs. Zaker and Taijul Islam put on a 68-run partnership for the seventh wicket to help the team cross the 251-run mark to avoid follow-on.

At the start of the third day, Mominul hit two boundaries in Shamar Joseph's over. However, Kemar Roach dismissed Shahadat Hossain for 18, who was caught by Kavem Hajj. Although Mominul and Liton made it through the first session, Jaden Sills returned Mominul lbw.

Mehdi Hasan Miraj fell under pressure from West Indies bouncers; Alzarri Joseph's bouncer was caught by Mikail Lewis at short. Liton also could not handle the pressure and was bowled for 40 runs.

Bangladesh turned things around a bit with the determination of Taijul and Zaker. Zaker completed his half-century by hitting four boundaries. However, Joseph caught Taijul and Zaker to break the partnership.

Summary scores: (End of third day)

West Indies first innings: 450/9 declared in 144.1 overs. (Greaves 114, Lewis 97, Ethanage 90, Roach 47; Hasan 3-87, Miraj 2-76)

Bangladesh first innings: 269/9 in 98 overs (Mominul 50, Zaker 53; Alzarri 3/69). # MS/0802 Hours/25.11.24

Windies' 'hope' was 400 runs, Michael Lewis had said at the end of the previous day in the press conference. The hosts' hopes were fulfilled, with Justin Greaves' unbeaten century taking them to 50 more runs to declare their innings.

Bangladesh, in response, lost both openers after scoring 40 runs in 20 overs. As a result, the team ended the second day cornered, trailing by 440 runs; the team now needs 241 runs to avoid the follow-on.

Bangladesh started the day well on Saturday. Hasan Mahmud took two wickets with the second new ball. It seemed that it was only a matter of time before the Windies were all out.

But then Justin Greaves stood up and got Kemar Roach as his partner. The two of them put on 140 runs for the eighth wicket. That's how the hosts crossed 400. Hasan broke the partnership by bowling Roach, who had made 47 runs. Greaves again put up a fight in the ninth wicket partnership. This time, he took Jaden Seals with him and scored 39 runs. He was returned by Mehedy Hasan Miraj.

However, Bangladesh could not bowl out the Windies in the end. Greaves remained unbeaten on 114 runs. The Windies declared their innings after scoring 450 runs.

Bangladesh did not lose a wicket in the first 9 overs in reply. The two openers departed soon after. Zakir Hasan was bowled by the last ball of the 10th over bowled by pacer Seals at the stumps with the team's 20 runs. He departed after making 15 runs off 34 balls.

In the next over, Mahmudul Hasan Joy fell victim to Alzarri Joseph. The right-handed batsman was caught at slip by Alik Ethanage after poking his delivery. Joy scored 5 runs off 33 balls before returning. Bangladesh lost their two openers and were reduced to 21 runs.

Then the responsibility of building the wall fell on the shoulders of Mominul Haque and Shahadat Hossain Dipu. Together, the two managed it well until the end of the game in poor light, playing 54 balls before the end of the day, scoring 19 runs. Their pair is showing hope for Bangladesh now.

Brief scores: (End of second day)

West Indies first innings: 450/9 declared in 144.1 overs. (Greaves 114, Lewis 97, Ethanage 90, Roach 47; Hasan 3-87, Miraj 2-76)

Bangladesh first innings: 40/2 in 20 overs (Joy 5, Zakir 15, Mominul 7*, Shahadat 10*; Seals 1/15, Alzarri 1/2).

Former New Zealand all-rounder Doug Bracewell has been banned for a month for cocaine use. The 34-year-old Bracewell tested positive for the drug after a domestic Twenty20 match in January, the New Zealand Sports Integrity Commission said in a statement on Monday.

The commission said Bracewell used the substance out of competition, which was not directly related to his game. This resulted in an initial three-month ban. However, that was reduced to one month because he completed a rehabilitation program.

The commission's chief executive Rebecca Rolls said players had a responsibility to set a positive example. "All recreational drugs, including cocaine, are illegal and can pose a serious threat to the health and safety of players and their teammates."

"This is a serious problem at all levels of sport," she said. We want to work with the sporting bodies and the players to address this.”

New Zealand Cricket chief executive Scott Winnick criticized Bracewell’s behaviour, saying, “Doug has taken full responsibility for his mistakes. His behavior has disappointed him and he has accepted the consequences.”

Winnick added, “As an organization, we will continue to support Doug. He is fully aware of our expectations.” Doug Bracewell played 28 Tests, 21 ODIs and 20 T20Is for New Zealand.

National award-winning footballer and captain of the Swadhin Bangla football team, freedom fighter Zakaria Pintu, is no more. He died while undergoing treatment at Ibne Sina Hospital in Dhanmondi, Dhaka on Monday. Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus expressed his condolences on Monday over the death of Zakaria Pintu, captain of the Swadhin Bangla football team and the first national football team of independent Bangladesh.

In a condolence message, the Chief Adviser said, "I am shocked and saddened to learn that the captain of the Swadhin Bangla football team, freedom fighter Zakaria Pintu, has passed away in the hospital."

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus said, "The legendary captain of the Swadhin Bangla football team, Zakaria Pintu, traveled all over India in 1971 to collect money and important support for the wartime government. Even when he was not playing on the field, he used to encourage our freedom fighters." He emerged as one of the faces of our freedom struggle.’

Muhammad Yunus further said, ‘After the war of independence, he became the captain of the first national football team of independent Bangladesh. This legendary player played in the central back position, and at the same time, he was an extraordinary defender in the red-green jersey. After completing his two-decade career, he also played an important role in organizing the country's sports arena. He was a complete sportsman until his death.’

‘I pray for the forgiveness of his departed soul. My condolences to his bereaved family and all those involved in the sports arena, to whom Zakaria Pintu was a true legend.’

Zakaria Pintu was born in Naogaon in 1943. However, he will be forever remembered for his role in 1971. During the liberation war in 1971, the country's top footballers formed the Swadhin Bangla Football Team. The Swadhin Bangla football team created world public opinion in favor of the liberation of the people of the country through the game of football.