In a gripping fifth day, Curtis Campher’s resilient performance stalled Bangladesh’s push for victory in the Test match held in Mirpur. Ireland ended the day at 263 for 8, still requiring 246 runs for an improbable win.
Match Summary
Bangladesh had declared their innings at 297 for 4, having built on a substantial first-innings lead of 476. Ireland’s second innings total was 265. Curtis Campher played a crucial role, remaining not out on 63 runs, while Gavin Hoey contributed 18 runs.
Key Performances
- Curtis Campher: 63* off 180 balls
- Jordan Neill: 30 runs, notable for his aggressive boundaries
- Taijul Islam: Achieved his 250th Test wicket
- Mominul Haque: Top-scored for Bangladesh with 87 runs
- Mehidy Hasan Miraz: Dismissed Neill to break the partnership
Crucial Moments
Campher and Neill faced an early threat from Bangladesh bowlers. However, Neill executed a series of boundaries, including a six off Taijul. Tragically, a dropped catch by Litton Das allowed him to continue and build momentum.
The wicket of Andy McBrine marked a significant milestone for Taijul, representing his 250th Test wicket, making him the sixth left-arm spinner to reach this mark.
As play continued past the scheduled lunch, Campher and Hoey showed resilience, defending effectively against Bangladesh’s bowling attack. Despite a formidable effort, Ireland was still 246 runs shy of an improbable victory.
Match Context
Bangladesh’s earlier innings featured solid contributions from openers, with Shadman Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy scoring fifties. The captain, Mominul Haque, played a vital role, finishing with 87 runs. Mushfiqur Rahim also added an unbeaten 53 runs, showcasing his enduring skill at 38 years of age.
As the match stands, Bangladesh appears poised to secure victory by taking the remaining two Irish wickets. However, the determination displayed by Campher and Hoey signals that the contest is far from over.
