Bangladesh tightened their hold on the Mirpur Test as openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam piled on a commanding second-innings stand after Taijul Islam’s four-for put Ireland on the back foot.
Taijul delivered a milestone day, equalling Shakib Al Hasan’s record for the most Test wickets by a Bangladeshi with his 246th strike. Play briefly halted for three minutes earlier in the day after a 5.5 magnitude earthquake sent tremors through the stadium, prompting players to gather in the middle as dressing rooms were cleared.
Ireland were eventually bowled out for 265, with Lorcan Tucker leading the resistance through an unbeaten 75 and strong lower-order stands with Stephen Doheny and Jordan Neill. But Taijul’s double-strike in the morning and disciplined support from Khaled Ahmed and Nayeem Hasan ensured Bangladesh maintained full control.
Bangladesh opted against enforcing the follow-on and marched to 156 for 1 at stumps, stretching their lead to a massive 367 runs. Mahmudul and Shadman added 119 for the first wicket, marking only the second time in history that Bangladesh openers registered two century stands in a Test series.
Legspinner Gavin Hoey finally broke through by trapping Mahmudul lbw for 60, but Shadman (69*) and Mominul Haque (19*) saw off the day with ease, putting the hosts in complete command heading into Day 4.
