Mushfiqur and Litton hit centuries as Bangladesh dominate Ireland in Mirpur Test

Centuries from Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das powered Bangladesh to a commanding total of 476 before left-arm spinner Hasan Murad led a ruthless spin assault to leave Ireland reeling on the second day of the one-off Test at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium on Thursday.

Ireland reached stumps at 98-5 in reply, still trailing by 378 runs and facing an uphill task to avoid the follow-on as Bangladesh ended another day firmly in control.

Wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker was unbeaten on 11 off 33 balls alongside debutant Stephen Doheny, who survived on 2. Ireland require a further 179 runs to make Bangladesh bat again.

Murad, playing only his second Test, returned impressive figures of 2-10 from 10 overs, while Taijul Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Khaled Ahmed claimed one wicket apiece to dismantle Ireland’s top order on a wearing Mirpur surface offering plenty of turn.

Earlier, Mushfiqur, who resumed on 99 overnight in his historic 100th Test, completed his 11th Test hundred in the morning to a loud ovation. The veteran right-hander departed soon after for 102, having faced 165 balls and hit 10 boundaries, but the momentum was seamlessly carried by Liton.

The stylish right-hander took command with a controlled yet aggressive knock, reaching his fifth Test century before lunch. Litton eventually fell for a sparkling 128 off 192 balls, laced with eight fours and four sixes.

His 123-run sixth-wicket stand with Mehidy Hasan Miraz ensured Bangladesh’s dominance. Miraz made a valuable 47 off 107 deliveries before falling to debut leg-spinner Gavin Hoey.

Bangladesh, who had resumed the day on 292-5, added 184 runs in 51.1 overs but lost their last five wickets for just 43 as they pushed for quick runs after the second new ball. 

Off-spinner Andy McBrine was the pick of Ireland’s bowlers with 6-109 — his second five-wicket haul in Tests, both in Mirpur.

Hoey and Gavin Hayne claimed two wickets each but were also expensive, as Bangladesh capitalised on every loose delivery on a pitch that is increasingly favouring spin.

Ireland’s reply began with a scare as Andy Balbirnie survived an lbw review in the opening over. He and Paul Stirling put on 41 for the first wicket before Stirling was trapped leg-before by Khaled for 27, having earlier hit a six and four fours.

Murad then struck with his third ball in Test cricket to remove Balbirnie for 21, before Miraz trapped Chad Carmichael for 17 to leave Ireland wobbling at 79-3. Curtis Campher lasted just four balls, bowled by a sharp Murad delivery without scoring.

Taijul returned to the attack to remove Harry Tector for 14, with a successful lbw review preserving Ireland’s final DRS but not the batter’s stay.

From that point, the tourists tightened up, playing for survival as the light faded and Bangladesh crowded the bat with close catchers in search of further breakthroughs.

With substantial spin on offer, Bangladesh’s trio of slow bowlers appear set to dictate terms for the remainder of the match.