Taijul Islam’s three wickets for 55 capped a landmark day in Mirpur, as the left-arm spinner overtook Shakib Al Hasan to become Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket. His strikes left Ireland on 176 for 6 at stumps on day four, still 333 runs behind and Bangladesh just four wickets away from sealing a 2–0 series sweep.
Taijul’s record-breaking moment came early in the chase when he trapped Ireland captain Andy Balbirnie lbw for 13. He then removed Paul Stirling at short leg, giving Bangladesh immediate control.
Ireland Stumble After Promising Signs
Hasan Murad backed Taijul strongly with figures of 2 for 35, removing Cade Carmichael before tea as Ireland slid to 77 for 3. Harry Tector counterattacked after the interval, hitting three boundaries off Taijul and raising a fluent fifty from 78 balls. But his resistance ended when he miscued a catch to Mushfiqur Rahim running in from the deep.
Three overs later, Lorcan Tucker, hero of the first innings, fell cheaply to Khaled Mahmud. At 127 for 5, Ireland were wobbling badly, and although Bangladesh dropped Stephen Doheny three times, Taijul eventually pinned him with an arm ball for 15.
Bangladesh Declare After Batting Dominance
The hosts had earlier declared at 297 for 4 shortly after lunch. Mominul Haque fell 13 short of a century but anchored the innings with a composed 87 featuring 10 boundaries. He shared a brisk 123-run partnership with Mushfiqur Rahim, who remained unbeaten on 53 after scoring a century in the first innings.
Openers Shadman Islam (78) and Mahmudul Hasan Joy (60) set the tone with a 119-run stand. Bangladesh steadily pushed the lead beyond 500 before calling their batters in.
Ireland Left With Steep Climb
Andy McBrine removed Shadman early in the morning session, and Jordan Neill picked up his maiden Test wicket by dismissing Shanto. But the damage had long been done. With Bangladesh’s spinners dictating play and conditions favouring turn, Ireland now face an uphill final day to avoid a heavy defeat.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 476 & 297/4 decl in 69 overs (Mominul Haque 87, Shadman Islam 78, Mahmudul Hasan Joy 60, Mushfiqur Rahim 53*) Ireland 265 & 176/6 in 54 overs (Harry Tector 50, Curtis Campher 34*; Taijul Islam 3–55, Hasan Murad 2–35) Bangladesh lead by 333 runs.
