Bangladesh tighten grip on Sylhet Test with commanding first-innings lead over Ireland

Bangladesh strengthened their control over Ireland on the third morning of the Sylhet Test, reaching 447 for four at lunch — a lead of 161 runs in the first innings.

The hosts added 111 runs in the session but lost three key wickets, including overnight centurion Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, and Mushfiqur Rahim.

Mahmudul, who started the day on 169, extended his career-best score to 171 before edging Andy McBrine behind after a marathon 286-ball stay that featured 14 fours and four sixes. Mominul, resuming on 80, also fell to McBrine for 82, while Mushfiqur made 23 before being outfoxed by left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys.

Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto steadied the innings with a fluent unbeaten 50 — his sixth Test half-century — and was joined at the break by Liton Das, who looked in good touch on 19 not out.

Bangladesh’s top order laid a solid foundation, with their first three batters all passing fifty — only the second time in the country’s Test history that feat has been achieved.

With the pitch beginning to offer more turn, Ireland face a challenging task when they return to bat. The visitors were earlier bowled out for 286 in their first innings.