Mahmudul and Shadman lead Bangladesh to a strong position

Mahmudul and Shadman lead Bangladesh to a strong position

Ireland vs Bangladesh 1st Test: Bangladesh's fourth-highest opening partnership in Tests get the team in commanding position.

Bangladesh made a strong reply to Ireland’s first-innings total of 286 on day two of the Test in Sylhet, reaching 198 for 1 at tea. The standout performer was Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who remained unbeaten on 94, guiding the innings with calm and confidence. He played fluently through the offside and down the ground, hitting eight boundaries and a six. At the break, he was joined by Mominul Haque, who was on 21.

Earlier in the day, Shadman Islam gave Bangladesh a flying start with a well-crafted 80. He dominated the morning session, helping the team race to 109 runs in just 24 overs. His innings featured nine fours and a six, including several stylish cover drives and well-timed shots through midwicket. He also kept the scoreboard ticking with 30 singles. Shadman and Mahmudul added 168 runs for the opening stand Bangladesh’s fourth-highest in Test cricket before Matthew Humphreys dismissed Shadman, caught behind in the 42nd over.

Both openers reached their fifties before lunch, laying a solid foundation for the hosts. Earlier in the morning, Ireland’s innings wrapped up quickly, lasting only 13 minutes as Taijul Islam and Hasan Mahmud cleaned up the tail.

Ireland’s total was built around half-centuries from Paul Stirling and Cade Carmichael, while Curtis Campher and Lorcan Tucker contributed scores in the forties. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, while Taijul and Mahmud took two each. Bangladesh, however, were sloppy in the field on day one, dropping five catches that could have restricted Ireland to a lower total.