After a worse possible start of the second innings, riding on a century from Lorcan Tucker, Ireland finished the third day for a formidable 286 for 8 with taking 131 runs lead.
Ireland, who lost four wickets for 13 runs at the start of the second innings, finished the second day four for 27 for 4 but they began the third day with a huge motivation.
Apart from Tucker's hundred, Harry Tector, and Andy McBrine made a valuable contribution to steer Ireland to keep the day under their control at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on Thursday.
Tucker became the second Irish batter to score a debut Test century after Kevin O’Brien earned the feat in their inaugural Test against Pakistan in 2018.
However, as it was predicted that Ireland’s second innings would be folded cheaply and Bangladesh would win the match by an innings, but Tucker’s 108 with HarryTector (56) and McBrine (71 not out) shattered the dream.
Beginning the third day with 27 for 4, the overnight fifth wicket partners HarryTector and Peter Moor negotiated well with the initial attacks of Tigers’ bowlers and later on stalwart stance of Lorcan Tucker and Andy McBrine huge back up to explode Ireland’s innings.
However, Tector, the highest scorer in the first innings of Ireland with scoring 50 runs at his debut, along with Peter Moor successfully dealt with the moisturised condition of the morning scoring valuable 38 runs.
Shoriful made the day’s first breakthrough coming as the third attacker of the day struck in his second over when he departed the partnership taking Peter Moor’s wicket for 16 and Ireland was 51 for 5.
Shoriful came in the attack as third bowler of the day and gave a wide delivery outside the off stump which was not wide enough to drive, but Moor tried it and the ball edged past straight to Litton’s glove, Ireland reduced to 51 for 5.
Tigers bowlers passed a tough time when in between two sessions on day three they could take just one wicket, that proved the determination and temperament of the Irish batters in their only fourth Test.
However, Tector, who was dropped on nine runs, made a proper use of early life making back to back 50, with scoring 56 off 159 balls clubbing seven fours and a six before being trapped lbw by Taijul and Ireland reduced to 123 for 6.
But Tucker and Andy McBrine pair turned more steady-going when they were on the crease for just 28 overs to score 111 runs at seven wicket stand before Ebadot Hossain sent the danger man Tucker for 108 and Ireland were 233 for 7.
Tucker on his way to 108 runs fabricated a couple of important partnerships to continue Ireland move with a 72-run with Harry Tector for the sixth wicket and 111 with McBrine in the seventh wicket stand.
After Tucker getting out, Mark Adair joined McBrine, who remained unbeaten with a valuable knock of 71 runs, added 31 runs in eight wicket partnership, as Ireland concluded the day on 286 for 8 with 131 lead over hosts.
It was very much significant that, Ireland despite after a disastrous starting of their second innings with losing their four top order batters for single digit each in a quick succession, when there not even any 10 runs partnership on second day, thereafter every partnership stand firm to carry on Ireland to a respectable position to score 286 for 8 at stumps.
Taijul was the day’s successful bowler to take four wickets for 86 runs in his 15 overs spell.
Shakib, who came in an hour to bowl captured two wickets while Shoriful and Ebadot claimed a piece each.
