Shanto’s century powers Bangladesh past 500 in Sylhet Test

Bangla Press Desk:   Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto struck his eighth Test century as the hosts extended their dominance over Ireland on the third afternoon in Sylhet, crossing the 500-run mark and stretching their lead beyond 250.

Resuming from 447 for 4 at lunch, Shanto reached the milestone in style, taking two runs off Andy McBrine to complete his hundred from 114 balls with 14 boundaries. 

However, the left-hander was trapped leg-before by McBrine the very next ball, with the review confirming the on-field decision. His dismissal ended a 22-run stand and brought to the crease debutant Hasan Murad, who joined Mehidy Hasan Miraz.

The wicket also took McBrine to 26 Test scalps, making him Ireland’s leading wicket-taker in the format, surpassing Mark Adair’s 25. By the time of Shanto’s departure, Bangladesh had reached 545 for 6 in 129 overs.

Earlier in the session, Litton Das entertained the Sylhet crowd with a fluent 60 off 66 balls, featuring eight fours and a six. 

His partnership of 98 runs off 107 deliveries with Shanto accelerated Bangladesh’s innings before Litton fell to a stunning running catch from Harry Tector at long-on off Matthew Humphreys.

Miraz, who later survived a close LBW call through a successful review against McBrine, remained unbeaten as Bangladesh kept piling on the runs.

The hosts had earlier lost Mahmudul Hasan Joy (171), Mominul Haque (82), and Mushfiqur Rahim (23) in the morning session, but still managed to add 109 runs for three wickets before lunch to consolidate their position.

BP/TD