Bangladesh are firmly in command of the second and final Test against Ireland after declaring their second innings at 297-4, setting the visitors a massive 509-run target. By stumps on Day 4, Ireland were 176/6, still needing 333 runs to avoid defeat, while Bangladesh require just four wickets to seal victory. Fifties from Mominul Haque (87) and Mushfiqur Rahim (53*) had earlier helped Bangladesh pile on an imposing lead of over 500 runs.
Resuming from 280-3 at lunch, Bangladesh added 17 more runs before Mominul fell softly to Gavin Hoey, prompting captain Najmul Hossain Shanto to declare. Mushfiqur’s calm presence at the crease ensured the innings ended on a high, consolidating Bangladesh’s dominant position after Shadman Islam (78) and Shanto (1) fell early in the morning session.
Ireland began their second innings with determination, but the deteriorating pitch — offering sharp turn and variable bounce — made batting a challenge. By stumps, Curtis Campher remained unbeaten on 34 and Andy McBrine on 11, as Ireland’s lower order struggled to build meaningful partnerships.
Taijul Islam spearheaded the Bangladesh attack, claiming 3-55, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz (0-21) and Hasan Murad bowled economically, maintaining relentless pressure. Harry Tector, who had battled to his fifty earlier, fell trying to loft a delivery, offering a simple catch to mid-off and breaking a potentially crucial partnership.
With the massive target looming and only four wickets remaining, Bangladesh are poised to wrap up the match early on Day 5. Ireland, on the other hand, face the near-impossible challenge of scoring 333 more runs on a pitch that heavily favors the home side’s spin attack.
Day 4 highlighted Bangladesh’s control over all aspects of the game — commanding batting, precise spin, and strategic decision-making — leaving them on the brink of a dominant series-clinching victory.
