The first Test Bangladesh vs Ireland in Sylhet saw the hosts seize near-total command, leveraging a massive first-innings total and the turning pitch to leave Ireland staring down the barrel of an innings defeat. The day was a tale of two dominant sessions for Bangladesh a continued batting assault followed by a destructive bowling display culminating in Ireland stumbling to 86 for 5 in their second innings, still trailing by a substantial 215 runs at the close of play
Bangladesh resumed their imposing first innings at 338 for 1, determined to bat Ireland out of the game. Overnight centurion Mahmudul Hasan Joy added just two runs before falling to Barry McCarthy for a magnificent 171 runs off 286 deliveries . However, the momentum barely shifted. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, leading from the front in his first notched up a fluent century, eventually departing for an even 100 runs off 114 balls.
Contributions continued to flow down the order, notably from Litton Das (60). The relentless run-scoring, supported by Mominul Haque solid 82 runs off 132 deliveries from the previous day, piled immense pressure on the Irish attack.
Young left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys was the standout bowler for the visitors, claiming his maiden Test five-wicket haul with figures of 5/170, a commendable effort given the sheer volume of runs conceded. Bangladesh eventually declared their innings closed at a monumental 587 for 8, establishing a colossal lead of 301 runs and registering their highest-ever home Test total.
Paul Stirling, who had shown promise with a first-innings half-century, looked to counter-attack and was the only Irish batter to show significant resistance. His brisk innings of 43 off 59 balls kept the scoreboard ticking, but a moment of sheer brilliance from Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto in the field saw him run out with a direct hit, triggering a swift collapse.
Following Stirling unfortunate dismissal, Ireland lost wickets in quick succession. Taijul Islam struck to remove Harry Tector (18), and the pressure mounted further as Debutant left-arm spinner Hasan Murad ripped through the middle order, claiming two crucial wickets for a miserly 2/8 off his three overs. Cade Carmicheal (5) and Curtis Campher (5) were unable to settle, exposing the lower order to the rampant Bangladeshi spin quartet.
At the close, Ireland were deeply entrenched in trouble at 86/5, still requiring a herculean effort of 215 runs to simply avoid an innings defeat. Andy McBrine (4 out of 14*) and Matthew Humphreys (0 out of 7*) will resume for Ireland on
Day 4, with the hopes of the visiting side resting precariously on their ability to resist the inevitable. Bangladesh are now firm favorites to wrap up a decisive victory, perhaps even before Tea on the fourth day, as the pitch continues to offer significant turn and uneven bounce. The day emphatically belonged to the hosts, who dominated every session to stand on the verge of a convincing Test triumph.
Bangladesh vs Ireland 1st Test Day 3 Match summary
Bangladesh first innings: 587/8 in 141 overs
Top performer: Mahmudul Hasan Joy 171runs off 286 deliveries , Matthew Humphreys 5/170 in 43 overs
Ireland first innings: 286/10 in 92.2 overs
Ireland second innings: 86/5 in 29 overs (trail by 215 runs)
Top performer: Paul Stirling 43 Runs off 59 balls, Hasan Murad 2/8 in 3 overs