A 'Joyous' day for Bangladesh

On the second day of the Sylhet Test, Bangladesh comfortably surpassed Ireland's first-innings total, losing just one wicket in the process. Mahmudul Hasan Joy crossed the 150-run mark, while Mominul Haque closed in on his century. Bangladesh are well on course for a massive total.

At stumps on Day 2, Bangladesh stood at 338 for 1 in 85 overs, already leading by 52 runs with nine wickets still in hand.

Mahmudul Hasan Joy remained unbeaten on 169 off 283 balls — his second Test century and the highest score of his first-class career — featuring 14 fours and 4 sixes. Mominul finished the day on 80 not out from 124 balls, striking 5 fours and 2 sixes.

The only wicket to fall was that of opener Shadman Islam, who made 80.

Ireland began the day on 270 for 8 and were bowled out for 286.

Taking advantage of Ireland's weak bowling attack, Bangladesh's openers scored briskly. Joy and Shadman put on 168 runs for the opening partnership — the team's first 150-plus stand in 45 Test innings.

Shadman was eventually dismissed for 80, caught off left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys after hitting 9 fours and a six. Joy then joined forces with Mominul to prolong Ireland's frustration with another big partnership.

Before this innings, Joy had gone 17 consecutive Test innings without scoring more than 40. Returning to the side, he reached his century off 190 balls — his second in Tests, coming 30 innings after his first.

He went on to pass 150 for the first time in his first-class career. Mominul, meanwhile, reached his fifty off 75 balls and continued to bat confidently.

By the close of play, their unbeaten stand had grown to 170 runs — giving Bangladesh their first century partnership for the second wicket in 30 innings.