Bangladesh started the second Test against Ireland on the first day in the firm control, thanks to an outstanding 99 by the veteran Mushfiqur Rahim who scored unbeaten and a calm half-century by Mominul Haque. The hosts reacted well to the move by captain Najmul Hossain Shanto in leading him and the Bangladesh team to bat first at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Wednesday, and ended the day with a commanding 292/4 in 90 overs.
It started off on a good note with openers Shadman Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy building a comfortable 52-run partnership. Shadman was seamless, with 35 out of 44 balls with half a dozen boundaries before Andy McBrine disturbed in the 14th over and got the first wicket. Joy kept grinding, but soon had to fall 34 out of 86 balls, to McBrine, who was rapidly increasing his hold on the innings.
The departure of Shanto to make a total of only six pressure put Bangladesh spinning at 95/ 3. However, the entry of Mushfiqur Rahim made the difference. Alongside an experienced Joined by Mominul Haque, the 107-run partnership that followed, having been instrumental in stabilising the innings and reaffirming the Bangladesh lead, was developed by this duo. Haque fulfilled the role of an ideal supporter and made a patient contribution of 63 out of 128 balls, which was not overly ambitious and had a single boundary in his knock.
Irland, the leading bowler of the day, McBrine, severed the partnership and took his fourth wicket whenHaque cut to the second slip. However, the dreams of Ireland to make another breakthrough were thwarted by the entry of Litton Das whose fluent unbeaten 47 ensured the game remained well in favour of Bangladesh.
Rahim and Das finished the day with an all-time 90 run partnership, which ensured the Irish bowlers worked hard throughout the day long. His 99* demonstrated his usual kind of grit and control, and Das delivered flair and fluency on the other end.
