Dhaka: Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam spearheaded Bangladesh’s bowling attack, reducing Ireland to 88-3 at tea on Day 4 in their daunting chase of 509 runs for victory in the second and final Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The visitors face an uphill task as they still require 421 runs in the remaining four sessions.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Taijul Islam’s early breakthroughs were pivotal in putting Bangladesh in a commanding position. He trapped Irish captain Andy Balbirnie leg-before for 13, a wicket that not only dented Ireland’s hopes but also elevated Taijul as Bangladesh’s highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, surpassing Shakib Al Hasan’s record of 246 wickets. Taijul continued his onslaught by dismissing Paul Stirling for 9, leaving Ireland struggling at 26-2.
The pair of Cade Carmichael and Harry Tector provided some resistance, adding 51 runs for the third wicket before Hasan Murad struck by removing Carmichael for 19. At tea, Harry Tector was unbeaten on 25, accompanied by Curtis Campher on 10.
Earlier in the day, Bangladesh resumed their innings at 156-1 but quickly lost two wickets in six balls. Overnight opener Shadman Islam was dismissed for 78 by offspinner Andy McBrine, while Jordan Neill removed skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto for a meager 1. Despite these early setbacks, Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim rebuilt the innings with a vital 123-run partnership for the fourth wicket, extending Bangladesh’s lead beyond 500 runs.
Ireland missed a crucial opportunity to dismiss Mushfiqur when Cade Carmichael dropped a catch, allowing the partnership to flourish. Mushfiqur reached his 41st Test half-century, becoming only the second player after Ricky Ponting to score both a century and a fifty in his 100th Test. Mominul Haque, after scoring 63 in the first innings, fell short of a century in the second innings, leading to an early declaration.
Bangladesh’s first innings total of 476 and their subsequent bowling performance, which dismissed Ireland for 265, secured a substantial 211-run lead. With a 2-0 series sweep in sight, the hosts are in a strong position to capitalize on their dominant display.