Phillips, Nash keep Windies A in hunt

SAVAR, Bangladesh, CMC – Opener Omar Phillips was nearing a half-century while Test batsman Brendan Nash extended his good form, as West Indies A fought back on the third day of their second and final four-day “Test” against Bangladesh A yesterday.

At the close, the visitors had reached 109 for three, an overall lead of 105 after earlier being led on first innings by four runs at the BKSP ground.

In a spot of bother at 19 for two, the left-handed Phillips buckled down to score an unbeaten 47 in a resolute innings that has so far spanned 192 minutes and required 140 balls.

Phillips, who has already played two Tests for the senior team, first shared a stand of 38 for the third wicket with captain Travis Dowlin (20) before posting an unbroken 52 for the fourth wicket with Nash who was unbeaten on 32 at the close.

Opener Justin Guillen (4) fell to a catch at the wicket off fast bowler Nazmul Hossain in the fifth over of the innings and Kirk Edwards (5) followed in similar fashion shortly afterward off left-arm seamer Syed Rasel.

The right-handed Dowlin, who faced 54 balls off 79 balls, then revived the innings in a stand with Phillips before he fell to off-spinner Mahmudul Hasan at 57 for three.

Phillips came together with the in-form Nash to ensure the Windies A finished the day without losing another wicket.

The left-handed Phillips has so far hit two fours and a six while the Australia-born has stroked three fours in his knock that has lasted 69 balls and 79 minutes.

Earlier, Faisal Hossain extended his unbeaten 64 to an even century before Bangladesh A were dismissed for 272 after resuming at their overnight 205 for five.

Saghir Hossain added just nine to his overnight 26 before giving off-spinner Shane Shillingford the first of his two wickets in the session as he finished with three for 82.

Leg-spinner Odean Brown claimed three for 79 while fast bowler Nelon Pascal snared two for 38.