


Bangladesh firmly seized control of the Test match against Ireland on Day 3, despite a brief suspension of play due to a severe earthquake tremor felt in Mirpur.
Left-arm spinner Taijul Islam was the day's star, reaching a historic milestone by equaling Shakib Al Hasan's record for the most Test wickets for Bangladesh (246 wickets) during his four-wicket haul in Ireland's first innings.
Ireland, resuming at a precarious 98 for 5 after Bangladesh's massive first-innings total of 476, managed to post 265 runs. Lorcan Tucker top-scored for the visitors with an unbeaten 75.
Tucker forged two crucial partnerships: 81 runs for the sixth wicket with debutant Stephen Doheny (46) and 74 runs for the eighth wicket with Jordan Neill (49).
Taijul Islam broke the partnership between Tucker and Doheny with a superb left-arm spinner's delivery, triggering a collapse that saw him claim four wickets in the innings.
Ireland was eventually bowled out for 265, but the hosts opted not to enforce the follow-on. In their second innings, Bangladesh established a massive lead, reaching 156 for 1 at stumps, stretching their overall lead to a mammoth 367 runs.
Openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam added a magnificent 119 runs for the opening wicket. This marks only the second time Bangladesh openers have recorded two century stands in a Test series (the last being in 2010).
Mahmudul Hasan Joy was eventually trapped LBW by leg-spinner Gavin Hoey for 60. Shadman Islam (69)* and Mominul Haque (19)* remained unbeaten at the crease, ensuring Bangladesh ended the day in complete command.
Play was temporarily stopped for three minutes when a 5.7 magnitude earthquake caused strong tremors. Players gathered around the pitch as dressing rooms were emptied, but play resumed quickly thereafter.
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