Mushfiqur 99 in 100th Test leads Bangladesh’s strong start in Dhaka

Mushfiqur 99 in 100th Test leads Bangladesh's strong start in Dhaka

Bangladesh ended the opening day of the second Test nicely placed at 292 for 4, with Mushfiqur Rahim unbeaten on 99 in his 100th Test. The home side recovered from an early wobble, losing three wickets in the opening session, including skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, to take control thanks to a patient, authoritative middle-order display.

The hosts had begun brightly through Shadman Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who put on a steady 52-run opening stand. Andy McBrine provided the breakthrough by trapping Shadman lbw for 35, then struck again when Joy miscued a lofted shot to mid-off.

The biggest breakthrough came just before lunch when Najmul Hossain Shanto, who had just struck McBrine for six, was bowled by one that skidded through.

Having slipped from 52/0 to 88/3, Bangladesh's fortunes changed completely in the wicketless second session, where Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur combined in a 107-run partnership. Mominul had his moments of good fortune, having been dropped twice, but ended up providing Mushfiqur with stability at the other end.

McBrine eventually returned after Tea to break the stand, removing Mominul for 63 with an inside-edge that ballooned off his boot to slip. But any hopes of a comeback from Ireland faded as Litton Das settled in confidently alongside Mushfiqur. The pair batted risk-free through the final session, rotating strike comfortably and adding 90 runs for the fifth wicket.

Brief Scores: Bangladesh 292/4 (Mushfiqur 99*, Mominul 63, Litton 47*; McBrine 4-82) vs Ireland.