Bangladesh declare at 587, take 301-run lead in Sylhet Test

Bangla Press Desk:   Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto struck a fluent century as Bangladesh declared their first innings at 587 for 8 in 141 overs, taking a commanding 301-run lead over Ireland on the third day of the Sylhet Test.

It was another productive day with the bat for the hosts, who added over 250 runs in two sessions despite losing wickets at regular intervals. 

Shanto led from the front with a 114-ball 100 featuring 14 boundaries before falling leg-before to Andy McBrine. His partnership of 98 off 107 balls with Litton Das provided the momentum after early losses.

Litton played a sparkling hand of 60 off 66 balls, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz (17) and debutant Hasan Murad (16) contributed in the lower order. McBrine (2-135) became Ireland’s highest Test wicket-taker, while left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys claimed 5 for 144—his second five-wicket haul in Tests.

Bangladesh scored briskly throughout, notching 109 runs in the first session, 128 in the second, and another quick burst before Shanto declared with a 301-run cushion.

BP/TD