First Test, Sylhet International Cricket Stadium (second day of five)
Ireland 286: Stirling 60; Miraz 3-50
338-1: Joy 169; Humphries 1-78
Ireland won the toss
A career-best 169 from Mahmudul Hasan Joy helped Bangladesh take firm control of the first Test against Ireland after the second day in Sylhet.
The visitors entered the second day with a score of 270-8 after four late wickets on Tuesday gave Bangladesh the lead at the end of the match.
Ireland only managed to add 16 more runs to their total as they lost Matthew Humphreys lbw to Taijul Islam for a two-ball duck before the end of the innings with Barry McCarthy bowled by Hasan Mahmud after two early boundaries helped him reach a respectable total of 31.
Bangladesh had no such problems with the bat, with Joy unleashed as the day progressed to pass the 100-mark with a double century now in his sights.
His opening partner Shadman Islam fell to 80 when he was caught by wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker off Humphreys’ delivery, but Mominul Haque took over with 80 not out.
With the pitch offering little help to the bowlers, it was a good start for Bangladesh as they finished off Ireland’s first innings before making quick forays with the bat.
Joy hit 14 fours and four sixes from the 283 balls he faced during the day, surviving a scare on 156 to stay at the crease as Paul Stirling missed the catch.
Shadman was closing in on his century by hitting nine fours and also a six, but his partnership with Joy ended at 168 with Humphreys getting the dismissal he threatened.
However, it was a third wicketless session of the day, with the hosts reaching 140 in 30 overs, with Haque settling after a few close calls while attempting a sweep, hitting five fours and two sixes en route to 80, but did little to help Bangladesh find themselves in such a healthy position ahead of the third day.
