At the end of the third day of the Mirpur Test, Bangladesh stand firmly in control. After restricting Ireland to 265 in their first innings and securing a lead of 211 runs, the Tigers produced an excellent start in their second innings. Openers Shadman Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy showcased admirable temperament and solid technique, guiding Bangladesh to 156 for 1 by stumps, extending the overall lead to an imposing 367 runs.
Ireland began the day under considerable pressure, resuming on 98 for 5 and still trailing by 378 runs. Despite this, they displayed commendable resistance through Lorcan Tucker and Stephen Doheny, who added 81 valuable runs for the sixth wicket. Their stand was broken by Taijul Islam, who dismissed Doheny for a well-made 46 from 77 balls. Taijul struck again in the same over, removing Andy McBrine for a duck and turning the momentum completely in Bangladesh’s favour.
Tucker continued to fight, this time in partnership with Jordan Neill. Neill scored an impressive 49 off 83 deliveries before he was dismissed by Ebadot Hossain. The lower order, however, failed to support Tucker, as Gavin Hoey and Matthew Humphreys fell cheaply. Tucker remained unbeaten on a gritty 75 from 171 balls, ensuring Ireland avoided total collapse.
The highlight for Bangladesh with the ball was undoubtedly Taijul Islam. His four-wicket haul not only strengthened Bangladesh’s position but also took him to 246 Test wickets—making him the joint-highest wicket-taker for Bangladesh in Test cricket alongside Shakib Al Hasan. One more wicket will make Taijul the outright record-holder.
With the bat, Bangladesh’s dominance became even more evident. Shadman and Joy navigated Ireland’s bowlers with composure, showing patience on a pitch that offered both slow turn and occasional uneven bounce. Both openers reached their half-centuries, building a partnership that has placed Bangladesh on the verge of dictating the remainder of the match.
Joy fell late in the day, but Bangladesh’s commanding position remains unaffected. With a towering lead of 367 runs and nine wickets still in hand, the Tigers are ideally placed to push for a result over the next two days. Ireland, meanwhile, face the daunting task of surviving on a wearing pitch against an in-form Bangladeshi spin attack.