Towhid Hridoy's 242* creates history as Bangladesh batter shatters all-time Test record against West Indies

Towhid Hridoy produced a knock for the ages, smashing an unbeaten 242 to script history for Bangladesh and pull his side back from the brink in the second Test against West Indies in Sylhet. In an innings that combined extraordinary resilience with breathtaking power-hitting, Hridoy registered the highest individual score by a Bangladesh batter in Test cricket, transforming a potential first-innings collapse into a 30-run lead.Bangladesh were staring at a substantial deficit after slipping to 184 for 7 shortly before Lunch on the third day. But Hridoy refused to surrender, orchestrating a stunning lower-order revival that saw the hosts add 202 runs with their final three wickets to reach 386.Hridoy enters Bangladesh's record books with monumental 242Hridoy became only the fourth Bangladesh batter to register a Test double-century, joining an elite list featuring Mushfiqur Rahim, Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan. His unbeaten 242 also eclipsed Mahmudul Hasan Joy's 171 against Ireland to become the highest individual Test score at the Sylhet venue.The right-hander's innings was equally remarkable for its power-hitting. He smashed 11 sixes, taking him within one of the world record for most sixes in a Test innings, jointly held by Wasim Akram and Yashasvi Jaiswal. He also surpassed Tamim's previous Bangladesh record for most sixes in a single Test innings.From 29 overnight to a record-breaking double-centuryHridoy's transformation on the third day was extraordinary. He resumed on 29 off 80 deliveries but shifted gears dramatically, bringing up his century before Lunch. With wickets falling at the other end, he took responsibility for the scoring and repeatedly put the West Indies bowlers under pressure.Roston Chase bore the brunt of his assault, while Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales also struggled to contain the batter. Hridoy brought up his 150 with a wristy flick off Joseph before reaching the double-century in the final session with a single off Warrican.Lower-order partnership turns the tide for BangladeshTaijul Islam played a crucial supporting role, adding 22 off 56 balls during a 117-run eighth-wicket partnership with Hridoy. His ability to occupy the crease allowed Hridoy to dictate the tempo and keep the scoreboard moving.Even after Taijul's dismissal, Hridoy continued his assault alongside Taskin Ahmed. The latter provided valuable support before falling to Seales, bringing Bangladesh's innings to a close at 386. Hridoy remained unbeaten on 242 after facing down the West Indies attack and carrying his side to a first-innings lead.Brief scores: West Indies 356 and 7/0 trail Bangladesh 386 (Towhid Hridoy 242*, Mushfiqur Rahim 34; Jomel Warrican 4/104) by 23 runs.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.