Mushfiqur hits century as Bangladesh lead Ireland by 102 runs

Mushfiqur Rahim hits his 10th century as Bangladesh took the stranglehold of the one-off Test against Ireland, reaching 316-5 at tea on day two at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium today.

The senior batter was batting on 124 with Mehidy Hasan Miraz on 16 at the second interval as Bangladesh appeared to bury Ireland under huge scores. The Irish were bowled out for 214 in its first innings, meaning Bangladesh had already taken 102 runs lead.

While Mushfiqur raised his century without any fuss, Shakib Al Hasan missed out on what could have been his first Test century since 2017.

He was dismissed on 87 off 94 after edging a delivery of offspinner Andy McBrine behind the wicket.

Resuming the Day 2 at 34-2, Bangladesh lost Mominul Haque for 17 in just third over of the day when pacer Mark Adair (2-50) clean bowled him with a delivery that moved slightly.

But Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim then came down heavily on them to establish a full control.

Shakib started with a boundary in the first ball, driving Adair's half-volley through cover and didn't look back.

He raised his 31st fifty off just 45 balls, whipping a turning delivery of legspinner Ben White for four through long on.

Mushfiqur Rahim played with caution in contrast to Shakib's aggressive approach but as the time progressed he also unleashed some powerful shots to start dominating the Irish bowlers.

He swept offspinner Harry Tector for a boundary through backward square leg to reach his 26th half-century from 69 deliveries.

Shakib looked all set to reach his sixth century before McBrine got him after he struck 14 fours for his knock.

Mushfiqur then switched the gear in high mode and completed his 10th Test century and third in the last eight innings off 135 balls, with an outside edge that flew through between wicketkeeper and a wide slip.

Alongside him, Liton Das also dominated Irish bowlers in style to keep the visitors at bay. Ireland's poor ground fielding and lackluster bowling also helped their cause.

Liton survived a run out dismissal due to a comic fielding of Irish bowler but couldn't make it count as he was dismissed one ball later for 43, caught at mid-off, giving legspinner Ben White his debut wicket.

Mushfiqur who smashed 15 fours and one six in his 159 ball-124 saw off the session with Miraz.

McBrine and Adair took two wickets apiece for Ireland.