Day 2 Stumps: Bangladesh lead by 52 runs

Ireland -  286 all out after 92.2 Overs

(Paul Stirling 60 Cade Carmichael 59; Mehidy Hasan Miraz 3-50, Hasan Mahmud 2-42)

Bangladesh - 338-1 after 85 Overs

(Mahmudul Hasan Joy 169* Mominul Haque 80*; Matthew Humphreys 1-78)

Beneath the blazing Sylhet sun, Ireland’s efforts seemed to evaporate by the hour as Bangladesh’s batters turned the Test their way. After wrapping up the visitors’ innings early in the morning, the hosts piled on 338 for the loss of solitary wicket to move 52 runs ahead by stumps.

Bangladesh batters bossed the day as Mahmudul Hasan, unbeaten on 169, and Shadman Islam set the tone with a 168-run opening stand. After Shadman’s dismissal for 80, Mominul Haque carried on the momentum, adding an unbroken 180-run partnership with Mahmudul. By close of play, Mominul remained unbeaten on 80* as Bangladesh found themselves in a position of complete command.

Bangladesh bowlers took just 14 balls to pick the last two Irish wickets before the batters took over.

The opening pair of Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam were positive right from onset against the Ireland bowlers slamming 168 runs in 41.1 overs, making it the fourth highest opening stand in Bangladesh Test history.

Matthew Humphreys got the breakthrough dismissing Shadman who edged it to the keeper and was adjudged not out at first before Ireland took a successful review and had the decision by umpire Ahsan Raza overturned. 

That was the only joyus occasion for the visiting side as they failed to provide sustain pressure on the opposition as Mahmudul continued to torment the Ireland bowlers scoring his second Test century, the first in his home country displaying his class and temperament as he carried his bat to the end of the day. Mahmudul, who will turn 25 on Thursday, will be eyeing to celebrate it with a maiden double century.

Mominul, the third highest scorer in Tests for Bangladesh, feasted on a placid track and tired Ireland bowlers as he struck his 23rd half century. The veteran has the most 100s for Bangladesh in Tests finds himself closing in on his 14th ton.

Frontline spinners Andy McBrine and Humphreys bowled 57 overs between them out of the 85 they bowled as Ireland used seven bowlers including some part-time help from Harry Tector and Curtis Campher. However, none of them were able to break the second wicket stand, leaving the Irish much to ponder going into Day 3. Andy Balbernie's men will require something special on Day 3 to comeback into the Test that is quickly slipping away.