The third day of the Dhaka Test brought a moment of immense pride for Bangladesh cricket. While the match itself swung through phases of control and resistance, it was Taijul Islam who emerged as the star of the day, edging closer to a milestone that could redefine his legacy. His four-wicket haul not only helped bowl out Ireland for 265 runs but also placed him level with Shakib Al Hasan as the joint-highest wicket-taker for Bangladesh in Test cricket.
Ireland had finished Day Two precariously placed at 98 for 5. Yet the visitors began Day Three with renewed confidence. Bangladesh’s bowlers—Taijul, Ebadot Hossain and Hasan Murad—kept the lines tight but struggled to find an early breakthrough. The tension grew as Ireland steadily added runs, threatening to erase the advantage Bangladesh held.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 58th over, and it came in emphatic fashion. Taijul struck twice in three deliveries, removing Stephen Doheny and Andy McBrine. The double blow shifted momentum instantly, putting Ireland back on the defensive.
Despite wobbling at 200 for 7, Ireland found hope through Lorcan Tucker and Jordan Neil. Their eighth-wicket stand of 74 runs frustrated the hosts and revived Irish hopes of achieving a competitive total. The partnership was eventually broken when Ebadot dismissed Neil for 49, ending a brave resistance.
Once that stand collapsed, Ireland’s tail fell apart quickly. Gavin Ho departed soon after, and Matthew Humphreys became Taijul’s final victim of the innings—caught by Khaled Ahmed for just four runs. This dismissal marked Taijul’s 246th Test wicket, putting him level with Shakib Al Hasan at the top of Bangladesh’s all-time Test wicket-takers list.
Taijul now stands on the brink of becoming Bangladesh’s leading wicket-taker in Test history. Shakib had long held the record alone, but the relentless consistency of the left-arm spinner from Natore has finally brought him shoulder to shoulder with the country’s greatest all-rounder.
For spectators at the stadium and fans watching across the nation, the moment felt historic. It is now only a matter of time before Taijul claims the solitary wicket that will place him above all others in Bangladesh’s Test bowling archives.
As the match progresses, the anticipation grows. Will Taijul take the record in this very Test? If his performance so far is any indication, Bangladesh cricket may be just hours away from witnessing a new chapter in its Test history.
