Bangladesh take 301-run lead over Ireland in Sylhet Test

Bangladesh built a commanding position in the first Test of the Dutch-Bangla Bank Bangladesh–Ireland series, declaring their first innings at 587 for 8 in Sylhet to secure a 301-run lead.

This marks Bangladesh’s second-largest first-innings lead in Test history, behind their 397-run lead against the West Indies in Mirpur (2018). It is also their highest Test total on home soil, surpassing 560 against Zimbabwe in 2020. Their overall highest Test total remains 638, scored against Sri Lanka in Galle (2013).

Resuming on 338 for 1, Bangladesh lost Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mominul Haque early on Day 3, but captain Najmul Hossain Shanto powered the innings with a brisk 100 off 114 balls. Litton Das added 60 off 66 balls, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz (17), Hasan Murad (16), and Hasan Mahmud (13) chipped in down the order.

Earlier, Joy and Shadman Islam put on a 168-run opening stand — Bangladesh’s highest in a decade. Shadman scored 80 off 104 balls, while Joy made his second Test century and first at home, remaining unbeaten on 169 at stumps on Day 2.

For Ireland, Matthew Humphreys took five wickets, Barry McCarthy two, and Andy McBrine one.

The match also saw multiple records fall, as Bangladesh’s top four batsmen all scored fifties or centuries, and five players reached at least half-centuries — only the fifth time in their Test history.