Bonner century keeps Windies A safe

NORTH SOUND, Antigua, CMC – Nkrumah Bonner stroked an attractive century to help salvage a draw for West Indies A on the final day of the opening “Test” against Bangladesh A here yesterday.

Nkrumah Bonner

Unbeaten on 70 overnight, Bonner carried on to 127 as West Indies were eventually dismissed for 296, after resuming on 198 for six.

Set 233 for victory, Bangladesh A were struggling at 30 for two before Jahurul Islam (41) and Raqibul Hasan (27) added 55 for the third wicket to see the visitors out of danger.

Pacers Andre Russell (2-26) and Nelson Pascal (2-36) grabbed two wickets apiece.

Ahead by just 134 runs at the start, Bonner and overnight partner Carlos Brathwaite, nine not out, stretched their seventh wicket stand to 62 before being separated.

Brathwaite, who made his international debut last month against Bangladesh, pushed on to make 28 before falling lbw to off-spinner Nasir Hossain (2-74).

Bonner then combined with captain Veerasammy Permaul (22) to frustrate the young Tigers in a 62-run, eighth wicket partnership that made the game safe for Windies A.

All told, Bonner faced 246 balls in an innings spanning five hours and 17 minutes, counting nine fours and two sixes.

With no realistic chance of reaching their target in two sessions, Bangladesh A were rocked early by the loss of openers Junaid Siddique (1) and Shuvagata Hom (12).

Siddique edged fast bowler Shannon Gabriel to Kyle Corbin at second slip while Shuvagata was lbw to Pascal.

However, Jahurul and Raqibul held up Windies A’s advance, posting their half-century stand off 112 balls in 79 minutes.

Russell accounted for both batsmen in quick succession but by that time, the Windies were out of time to grab a surprise result.