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Published : 22 Nov 2025, 01:39 AM
Bangladesh have tightened their hold on the Mirpur Test with an assured display on Day 3, piling on the pressure against a weary Ireland whose brief moments of resistance were ultimately swept aside.
By stumps at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Friday, riding high on a 211-run cushion, the hosts had extended their overall lead to a formidable 367 runs, reaching 156 for 1 in their second innings.
The opening pair of Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam laid a rock-solid foundation, their composed 152-run stand a portrait of patience and precision.
Joy, fluent and confident, struck a brisk 60 off 75 deliveries before falling lbw to the young leg-spinner Gavin Hoey.
At the close, Shadman remained unbeaten on 69, quietly accumulating runs with Mominul Haque (19*) in support, and ensuring Ireland spent another long, fruitless day in the field.
Earlier, Ireland resumed on a precarious 98 for 5 in their first innings and briefly threatened to claw their way back into the contest.
Lorcan Tucker led the rearguard with a defiant, unbeaten 75, having brought up his half-century off 104 balls. He was well-supported by Steven Doheny, who made 46 before Taijul Islam produced a beautifully flighted delivery to breach his defence.
Taijul, who continues to be Bangladesh’s lynchpin in the longer format, dismissed Andy McBrine for a duck soon after, breaking an 81-run partnership and halting Ireland's momentum. Tucker continued to battle alongside debutant Jordan Neill, but Ebadot Hossain’s sharp burst accounted for Neill, who fell one short of a maiden half-century.
Khaled Ahmed then mopped up the tail, bowling Gavin Hoey and later claiming Matthew Humphreys to seal a four-wicket haul for Taijul.
The left-armer’s performance drew him level with Shakib Al Hasan as Bangladesh’s joint-highest wicket-taker in Tests, a milestone achieved with quiet efficiency.
With the bowlers having done their part, Bangladesh’s top order set about reinforcing their dominance. Joy batted with intent, threading boundaries through cover and midwicket, while Shadman exuded serenity at the other end, unfazed and unhurried.
By day’s end, the outcome of the Test was tilting firmly in Bangladesh’s favour. With the pitch wearing and a daunting chase looming, Ireland face an uphill task to avoid defeat in Mirpur.
