Bangladesh seized control of the second Test on Day 1 when Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim steadied the innings in the afternoon session, guiding the hosts to 192 for 3 at tea after Ireland had made early inroads. The momentum of the day had initially belonged to Andy McBrine, whose incisive bowling unsettled Bangladesh’s top order, but the mood shifted as the experienced pair tightened their grip with an unbroken stand worth 92 runs in 31 overs.
Bangladesh began the second session in a fragile position at 95 for 3, still absorbing the dismissal of Najmul Hossain Shanto before the break. Mominul on 62 not out and Mushfiqur on 48 not out responded with patient, measured batting, refusing to be tempted into risk and gradually blunting a spin heavy attack that could not sustain its early pressure.
Ireland will reflect with frustration on several missed opportunities. Mominul survived drops on 23 and 49, while Mushfiqur was reprieved on 22. Those lapses allowed Bangladesh to settle, and as the partnership grew, Ireland’s early sharpness faded.
McBrine remained the standout bowler with figures of 3 for 48, removing Mahmudul Hasan Joy for 34, Shadman Islam for 35 and Shanto for 8. Debutant leg spinner Gavin Hoey delivered a tidy, controlled spell with an economy rate of 2.23 across 13 overs, showing composure even if he was not rewarded with a wicket.
