Bangladesh ended the third day of the second Test in a commanding position after reaching 156 for one in their second innings and stretching their overall lead to 367 runs against Ireland at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
Openers Set the Tone
Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam gave Bangladesh the start they needed, putting together a 119-run opening stand that pushed Ireland further out of the contest. Joy delivered an assured 60 from 91 balls, finally reaching the half-century that slipped away from him in the first innings. Shadman continued to look settled at the crease, closing the day unbeaten on 69 from 110 balls. Their partnership carried Bangladesh past the hundred mark inside 26 overs and cemented control of the match.
Bangladesh ended the third day of the second Test in a commanding position after reaching 156 for one in their second innings and stretching their overall lead to 367 runs against Ireland at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in MirpurMahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam gave Bangladesh the start they needed, putting together a 119-run opening stand that pushed Ireland further out of the contest.
Joy delivered an assured 60 from 91 balls, finally reaching the half-century that slipped away from him in the first innings. Shadman continued to look settled at the crease, closing the day unbeaten on 69 from 110 balls. Their partnership carried Bangladesh past the hundred mark inside 26 overs and cemented control of the match.
Bangladesh’s Bowlers Build the Platform
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh’s bowlers wrapped up the Ireland innings for 265 and secured a strong first-innings lead of 211. Taijul Islam led the attack with figures of four for 76, while Khaled Ahmed and Hasan Murad contributed with disciplined spells that brought two wickets each. Ireland had resumed from an uncomfortable 98 for five but found some resistance through Lorcan Tucker’s determined unbeaten 75.
Tucker Fights but Bangladesh Stay Ahead
Tucker steadied Ireland’s innings with mature shot selection and calm temperament, guiding the side away from the threat of a follow-on. His partnership of 81 with Stephen Doheny offered a glimmer of recovery before Doheny fell for 46.
Another stand worth 75 with Jordan Neill, who struck 49, kept Ireland afloat for a while longer. Neill’s dismissal, however, opened the door for Bangladesh to close out the innings, and the visitors folded before reaching 300.
Bangladesh Poised for a Series Sweep
With a substantial lead already in hand and nine wickets still in reserve, Bangladesh walk into day four with the opportunity to press for a 2–0 sweep. Their innings victory in the first Test and their dominance in this match underline the gulf between the two sides over the series.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 476 & 156/1 in 37 overs. (Mahmudul Hasan Joy 60, Shadman Islam 69 not out, Mominul Haque 19 not out; Gavin Hoey 1-56) Ireland 265 all out in 88.3 overs. (Lorcan Tucker 75 not out, Stephen Doheny 46, Jordan Neill 49; Taijul Islam 4-76, Khaled Ahmed 2-39, Hasan Murad 2-53).
