Mahmudul’s unbeaten 169 powers Bangladesh to commanding position

Thursday, 13 November 2025 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Mahmudul Hasan Joy

Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s career-best unbeaten 169 has placed Bangladesh firmly in control on the second day of the Sylhet Test against Ireland. The hosts closed the day on 338-1, taking a 52-run lead after bowling out Ireland for 286 earlier in the morning.

Mahmudul anchored the innings with two major partnerships, a 168-run opening stand with Shadman Islam, who scored 80 off 104 deliveries with nine fours and a six, followed by an unbroken 170-run partnership with Mominul Haque. Mominul remained not out on 80, striking five boundaries and two sixes during his 124-ball knock.

Returning to the Test side after a spell out, Mahmudul appeared in complete command, driving confidently through the offside and finding the boundary 14 times in addition to clearing it four times. His aggressive intent after reaching three figures saw him attack both Curtis Campher and part-timer Harry Tector with a mix of precision and power.

Shadman’s early fluency set the tone for the innings, rotating strike effectively and scoring through the covers and midwicket, allowing Mahmudul to settle in and dominate.

Earlier in the day, Ireland’s innings ended quickly with their last two wickets falling within 13 minutes of play resuming. Their total of 286 was built on half-centuries from Paul Stirling and debutant Cade Carmichael, while Campher and Lorcan Tucker added useful contributions in the forties.

Bangladesh’s bowlers shared the wickets evenly, with Mehidy Hasan Miraz claiming three and Hasan Murad, Hasan Mahmud, and Taijul Islam taking two apiece. Despite some sloppy fielding on the opening day, including five dropped catches, Bangladesh finished the second day in a strong position to press for victory.

Scores:

Bangladesh 338-1 (Mahmudul 169*, Mominul 80*, Shadman 80) lead

Ireland 286 (Stirling 60, Carmichael 59, Mehidy 3-50)