Joy century puts Bangladesh in firm control

Joy remained unbeaten on 169, guiding the hosts to a commanding 338-1 at stumps on Day 2, after Ireland were bowled out for 286 in their first innings.

The 23-year-old right-hander became only the third Bangladeshi opener after Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes to register a score of 150-plus in Tests. His composed yet commanding knock featured 14 fours and four sixes.

Joy shared two century stands on the day — 168 runs with fellow opener Shadman Islam and an unbeaten 170-run partnership with Mominul Haque, who was not out on 80 at the close. The pair’s efforts gave Bangladesh a 52-run lead and firm control of the match.

Earlier, Shadman missed out on a century after being dismissed for 80, the only wicket to fall on Day 2. His solid innings, laced with nine fours and a six, ended when he edged Matthew Humphreys to the wicketkeeper.

Joy, who earned a recall to the national side following consistent performances in first-class cricket, showed excellent temperament and shot selection throughout. He brought up his second Test century off 190 balls, steering Jordan Neill through third man for four. His tempo quickened thereafter, as he reached 150 with a towering six, his last 50 runs coming off just 42 deliveries.

Earlier in the morning, Ireland added only 16 runs to their overnight 270-8. Taijul Islam trapped Humphreys leg-before for 6, before Hasan Mahmud cleaned up Barry McCarthy (31) to end the innings.

Among the bowlers, Mehidy Hasan Miraz finished with 3-50, while Taijul Islam, Hasan Mahmud, and Hasan Murad claimed two wickets each.