Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s unbeaten 169 powered Bangladesh into a commanding position against Ireland on the second day of the Sylhet Test. The hosts closed the day on 338 for 1, leading by 52 runs after bowling out Ireland for 286 earlier in the morning.
Resuming their innings, Bangladesh dominated through Mahmudul’s fluent strokeplay and strong partnerships. He added 168 runs for the opening wicket with Shadman Islam, who scored a brisk 80 off 104 balls, hitting nine fours and a six. After Shadman’s dismissal, Mahmudul continued his fine form alongside Mominul Haque, putting together an unbroken 170-run stand. Mominul remained not out on 80 from 124 balls, striking five boundaries and two sixes.
Mahmudul’s innings was a blend of patience and aggression, marking his career-best score. He played elegantly through the off side and launched several powerful drives down the ground, including four sixes and 14 fours in total. Once past his century, he batted with more freedom, punishing Curtis Campher and part-timer Harry Tector with consecutive boundaries. His return to the Test team after being dropped was marked by confidence and composure.
Earlier in the day, Ireland added just 12 runs to their overnight total before losing their last two wickets within 13 minutes. Their total of 286 was built around half-centuries from Paul Stirling (60) and debutant Cade Carmichael (59), with useful contributions from Curtis Campher and Lorcan Tucker, who made 40s.
Bangladesh’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking 3 for 50, while Hasan Mahmud, Taijul Islam, and debutant Hasan Murad picked up two wickets each. Despite their dominance, Bangladesh were let down by poor fielding, dropping five catches on the opening day. Nonetheless, the home side ended firmly in control thanks to Mahmudul’s standout innings.
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