Bangladesh strengthened their position on the third day in Mirpur on Saturday, when Taijul Islam’s incisive spell set up a lead of 211 before openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam extended the advantage to 367 by stumps in the second innings.
Ireland were bowled out for 265 after resuming under pressure from Bangladesh’s spinners, who had reduced them to five for 94 late on day two. Taijul was central to the hosts’ progress, taking key wickets in the morning session and finishing as Bangladesh’s joint leading Test wicket taker with Shakib Al Hasan on 246, reaching the mark in 20 fewer innings.
Bangladesh opted against enforcing the follow on despite the sizeable lead, instead choosing to build a position of dominance with the bat. Joy and Shadman responded in one day fashion, adding 119 for the first wicket, their second century opening partnership of the series. Joy reached his fifth Test fifty and made 60 from 91 balls before being trapped lbw by leg spinner Gavin Hoey, misreading the turn while pressing forward. Shadman remained unbeaten on 69 at the close, while Mominul Haque joined him late in the day and played with freedom.
Ireland had begun the day with purpose. Lorcan Tucker and Stephen Doheny steadied the innings with an 81 run partnership that spanned 150 deliveries, Tucker contributing 35 and Doheny 46. The stand held the innings together until a strong earthquake, recorded at magnitude 5.7, briefly halted play and caused anxiety in the press box and among both teams. Action resumed after a short delay, only for Taijul to strike twice in the space of three deliveries, bowling Doheny with an arm ball and then removing Andy McBrine with a turning delivery.
Ireland’s lower order resisted again as Jordan Neill added 74 for the eighth wicket, reducing the risk of the follow on. Neill’s 83 ball stay ended when he attempted to hit Ebadot Hossain over cover, only for Mominul to claim a simple catch. Tucker anchored the innings throughout and finished unbeaten on 75.
By the close, Bangladesh had moved firmly into control. With a commanding lead and wickets in hand, they will enter the fourth day with an opportunity to set Ireland an imposing target and push decisively for victory.
