Bangladesh moved into a strong position on day four of the second Test. The hosts started the day on top after scoring 476 runs and getting Ireland all out on 265 in their first innings. Mushfiqur Rahim led the way with a superb 106 in his 100th Test. Ireland replied with 265 runs, which gave Bangladesh a huge lead of 211.
By late morning on day four, Bangladesh reached 280 for 3. Mushfiqur was unbeaten on 44. Mominul Haque was steady on 79. The two played calm cricket and stretched the lead. Only Jordan Neill, Andy McBrine and Gavin Hoey had taken wickets for Ireland so far.
Bangladesh then pushed the score higher. Many thought Mushfiqur would look forward to chase another hundred. If he reached it, he would become only the second player after Ricky Ponting to score two hundreds in his 100th Test.
The partnership grew after the break. But Mominul fell on 87 from 118 balls. He tried to hit Gavin Hoey over cover. He mistimed it. Curtis Campher caught him at short cover. It was another missed century for Mominul.
Mushfiqur stood on 53 from 81 balls at the other end. He walked back with Mominul. It was clear that Bangladesh planned to declare. The captain soon confirmed it.
Bangladesh finished at 297 for 4. They set Ireland a target of 509 runs. It was a mountain at Mirpur. The Tigers now led by 508 runs and controlled the match.
Earlier in the innings, Shadman Islam made 78. Mahmudul Hasan Joy added 60. The top order kept Ireland under pressure throughout the morning.
Ireland now face a long road. They can try to survive for the rest of day four and all of day five to secure a draw. Or they can chase the total and go for a miracle win.
Bangladesh look ready for a whitewash. Ireland hope to resist and fight till the end.
