Bangladesh strengthened their position against Ireland on Day 2 of the first Test in Sylhet, reaching 198 for 1 at tea in reply to Ireland’s 286. The hosts now trail by only 88 runs, with nine wickets still in hand.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy held the innings together with a patient unbeaten 94 off 184 balls, striking eight fours as he anchored the Bangladesh reply. Shadman Islam provided excellent support at the top, scoring 80 from 104 deliveries with 10 boundaries before falling to Matthew Humphreys, caught by Lorcan Tucker after a successful review.
The pair added 168 runs for the opening wicket, the highest opening partnership in 10 years for Bangladesh, giving the Tigers complete control after a disciplined start to the innings. Mominul Haque, batting at No. 3, remained unbeaten on 21 from 43 balls as he and Joy guided the side safely to the break.
For Ireland, Humphreys was the only wicket-taker, finishing the session with figures of 16 overs for 52 runs. Andy McBrine bowled tightly, conceding 59 runs from 18 overs, while the rest of the attack struggled to find movement or consistency on a slow surface.
With Joy nearing his third Test century and Bangladesh only 88 runs behind, the hosts will look to build a significant first-innings lead when play resumes after tea.
