MIRPUR — A defiant half-century from Harry Tector has forced Bangladesh to wait for victory, as Ireland pushed the second and final Test into a fifth day at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. Chasing a mammoth victory target of 469, Ireland finished the fourth day on 286 for 8, still 183 runs adrift but having shown significant fight after a dismal first innings.
The day belonged to the Irish resistance, spearheaded by Tector's gritty 56, which provided a backbone to an innings that had threatened to crumble early. Lorcan Tucker also contributed a valuable 44, while Andy McBrine remained unbeaten on 71 at stumps, ensuring the hosts would have to return on Thursday to complete the job. For Bangladesh, Taijul Islam was the chief tormentor, claiming 4 for 86 with his left-arm spin, but the Irish lower order proved stubborn.
A Rocky Start and Tector's Resolve
Ireland's second innings began shakily, losing both openers with just 13 runs on the board. Pace bowler Ebadot Hossain, generating sharp bounce, accounted for Murray Commins, before Taijul Islam trapped James McCollum lbw. The early wickets seemed to signal a swift conclusion, but Peter Moor and Harry Tector dug in to weather the storm. Their 57-run partnership provided a flicker of hope before Moor fell for 28, edging Mehidy Hasan Miraz to slip.
This brought the in-form Tector together with Lorcan Tucker, and the pair set about building the most substantial partnership of the innings. For over 26 overs, they blunted the Bangladeshi spinners on a pitch offering increasing turn and variable bounce. Tector, in particular, looked assured, picking the length well and using his feet to nullify the threat. His fifty came off 112 deliveries, a testament to his application and technique.
Just as Ireland looked to be building a platform, the new ball proved to be Tector's undoing. Shortly after reaching his half-century, he attempted to drive a flighted delivery from Taijul but could only inside-edge it onto his stumps. The dismissal was a crushing blow, ending a 72-run stand and leaving Ireland precariously placed at 155 for 4. Tector's knock was crucial, and he acknowledged its importance after the day's play, stating, "It was important for someone in the top order to make a score and bat a period of time. It was nice to get a few, but obviously disappointing not to go on."
The Lower Order Fights Back
With Tector gone, Bangladesh sensed an opportunity to run through the Irish tail. However, Lorcan Tucker and Curtis Campher had other ideas. Tucker continued to play positively, striking six boundaries in his 44, while Campher provided stubborn support. Their partnership ate up valuable time and forced Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan to rotate his bowlers frequently.
The breakthrough eventually came from Shakib himself, who trapped Tucker lbw with a straighter one. When Campher fell shortly after for 19, edging Taijul to first slip, Ireland had slumped to 221 for 6, and a finish inside four days seemed inevitable. But the Irish fight was not yet extinguished. Andy McBrine, who had top-scored in the first innings, found a determined partner in Mark Adair.
The pair added a vital 43 runs for the seventh wicket, frustrating the Bangladeshi attack with a mix of stout defence and calculated aggression. McBrine, in particular, grew in confidence, bringing up his second fifty of the match with a sweep for four. His innings was a masterclass in lower-order batting, showcasing a solid technique and a clear mind. The key factors that allowed Ireland to push the game into a fifth day were:
- Top-Order Foundation: Tector's fifty provided a platform.
- Partnership Building: Crucial stands, especially the 72-run partnership between Tector and Tucker.
- Lower-Order Grit: McBrine's unbeaten 71 and his partnerships with Adair and Hume.
Mark Adair's resistance was finally broken by Taijul for 35, a brisk innings that included three sixes, but by then the day was all but done. Number 10 batter, Ben White, joined McBrine and saw out the remaining overs, ensuring the Irish would live to fight another day. Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan acknowledged the Irish fight, but remained confident, saying, "They batted well, especially Tector and McBrine. The pitch is still good for batting if you apply yourself. We just need to be patient and hit the right areas tomorrow."
The Task Ahead for Day Five
As the teams prepare for the final day, the equation is simple. Bangladesh need just two wickets to secure a 1-0 series victory, having won the first Test in Chattogram comfortably. Ireland, on the other hand, will look to McBrine to shepherd the tail and reduce the margin of defeat as much as possible, with an outside hope of securing a heroic draw.
The pitch in Mirpur has consistently shown that it becomes more challenging for batting as a match progresses. While it has not deteriorated dramatically, the variable bounce and sharp turn available to the spinners will be a massive challenge for the final two Irish batsmen. Taijul Islam and Shakib Al Hasan will be licking their lips at the prospect of operating with a relatively new ball on the fifth-day surface.
A Moral Victory in Defeat?
Despite being outplayed for large parts of the match, Ireland's fight on day four represents a significant step forward for their young Test team. After being bowled out for 292 in their first innings in reply to Bangladesh's 445, and then conceding a rapid 217 for 6 declared in the second, a meek surrender was expected. Instead, they have shown the character and skill required to compete at the highest level. Pushing a subcontinental team at home into a fifth day is an achievement in itself and provides valuable lessons and confidence for future tours. While a Bangladesh victory remains the only likely outcome, Ireland have earned respect and demonstrated that their inaugural Test win may not be too far away.