DHAKA, Nov 13, 2025 (BSS)- Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto hit a century, following opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy as Bangladesh appeared set for an effortless victory in the first cricket Test against Ireland at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Shanto's 100 off 114 balls was the highlight of Day 3, guiding Bangladesh to 587-8 before declaring the first innings.

Hasan Murad then led the bowling in the late afternoon, reducing Ireland to 86-5. The visitors still needs 215 runs to force Bangladesh batting in the second innings.

Ireland, which were wrapped up for 286 in the first innings, conceded 301-run lead. 

A double century beckoned Mahmudul Hasan Joy while Mominul Haque was on the verge of his 14th century as Bangladesh resumed the day at 338-1.

But none of them could reach their milestone. Irish pacer Barry McCarthy got rid of the both set batters in his first two overs, giving the side a glimmer of hope to claw back into the contest.

Joy was dismissed in the second over of the day for 171, adding just two to his overnight 169. Mominul also was able to add two runs to be out for 82.

Captain Shanto took the onus to drive the side and shared 79-run with Mushfiqur Rahim to cut the early advantage of Ireland.

Mushfiqur, playing his 99th Test was out for 23 but Shanto and Liton kept Irish bowlers at bay further, adding 98 runs for the fifth wicket.

Liton played fluently to hit 60 off 66 with eights fours and one six but was undone by a sharp catch of Harry Tector at the long on off Matthew Humphreys.

Shanto reached his eighth century by paddling Andy McBrine for a brace. But McBrine got the better of him in immediate next delivery ending exact 100, laced with 14 boundaries. 

Humphreys then removed Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Hasan Murad in quick succession to complete his second five-for in the Test.

Soon after his five-for, Shanto declared the innings with 301-run lead. 
Bangladesh bowlers then came up with fire to leave Irish batters in disarray. Nahid Rana struck in the fourth over, rattling the stump of Cade Carmichael (5) who made 59 in the first innings.

Paul Stirling who top-scored for the side with 60 in the first innings, showed the composure to resist the Bangladeshi bowlers.

But once Najmul Hossain Shanto trapped him run out for 43, Ireland tasted a collapse, losing three more wickets for 17 runs.

Debutant Hasan Murad ended the day with 2-8.

Andy McBrine was batting on 4 with Humphreys yet to score at stumps.