The hosts wrapped up Ireland’s last two wickets in just 14 balls and, in reply to Ireland’s total of 286, reached 338 for 1 by stumps.
Opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy was the star with the bat, remaining unbeaten on 169.
Mominul Haque also looked set for a century, finishing 80 not out, while Shadman Islam was dismissed for 80, expressing mixed feelings about missing out on his hundred. He even attended the post-day press conference.
Shadman played aggressively from the start, scoring his 80 runs off just 104 balls in an almost ODI-style approach.
However, he clarified that there was no pre-planned aggressive strategy.
“There was no plan like that. Joy and I just assessed the situation depending on the support we got from the pitch or bowlers. We focused on making the most of the boundary balls, which is why the score started building so well,” he said.
Meanwhile, Joy has batted 283 balls for his 169 and could be in line for a double century if he maintains his form on Day 3.
Shadman expressed confidence about Joy’s big innings.
“Alhamdulillah, Joy is batting beautifully. I hope and pray he can take the innings even further and give us a big score.”
Reflecting on his missed century, Shadman added, “Of course, missing a century leaves some regret, but Alhamdulillah, I am happy with what I have achieved. I’ll try to convert such opportunities into bigger scores in the future.”
