Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy struck a monumental century as Bangladesh took a firm stranglehold of the first Test against Ireland at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.
Joy, who became only the third Bangladeshi opener after Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes to post a 150-plus score in Tests, remained unbeaten on 169, steering Bangladesh to 338 for 1 at stumps on Day 2.
Mominul Haque was batting on 80, having shared a 170-run unbroken second-wicket stand with Joy. Their partnership helped Bangladesh seize control, giving the hosts a 52-run lead after Ireland were bowled out for 286 in their first innings.
Earlier, Shadman Islam missed out on a century, becoming the only Bangladeshi batter to be dismissed on the day after scoring 80 runs. Joy and Shadman had added 168 runs for the opening stand — Bangladesh’s sixth 150-plus opening partnership in Test history.
Making a strong comeback to the national side following consistent performances in first-class cricket, Joy dominated proceedings from the outset, striking 14 fours and four sixes. He brought up his second Test century off 190 balls, steering Jordan Neill to the third-man boundary.
Before Joy’s milestone, Ireland’s only breakthrough came on a placid pitch when Shadman edged a delivery from Matthews Humphreys to the wicketkeeper, ending a knock laced with nine fours and one six.
Joy then continued his fine form, adding another 150-plus stand with Mominul, who batted aggressively to extend the Irish bowlers’ misery. After reaching his century, Joy’s next fifty came in just 42 balls, as he brought up his 150 with a towering six.
Earlier in the day, resuming at 270 for 8, Ireland managed to add just 16 runs to their overnight total. Taijul Islam struck early, trapping Humphreys leg-before for 6, while Hasan Mahmud wrapped up the innings in the very next over by bowling Barry McCarthy for 31.
Mehidy Hasan Miraz finished with 3 for 50, while Hasan Murad, Hasan Mahmud, and Taijul Islam claimed two wickets apiece.
