Shakib’s wait for sixth Test ton continues

Bangladesh Test and T20I skipper Shakib Al Hasan's wait for his sixth Test ton continues as the star all-rounder fell just 13 short of the landmark score in their lone Test against Ireland at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today. 

It seemed like Shakib was about end his more than six-year wait for a Test century on the second day of the Tigers' ongoing Test against Ireland on Wednesday. And the all-rounder came agonisingly close, departing after a fluent 94-ball 87 when he edged an Andy McBrine delivery back to the keeper.

Shakib's last Test century came way back in March 2017 in Bangladesh's 100th Test, which the Tigers marked with a remarkable win over Sri Lanka in Colombo. 

However, even though Shakib failed to end his wait for a century, Bangladesh remain in a dominating position in the Test. Thanks to a magnificent 159-run stand between Shakib and Mushfiqur Rahim, Bangladesh bounced back from a spot of bother, and the Tigers have now taken a lead in the game. 

Shakib and Mushfiqur also matched the feat of Javed Omar and Habibul Bashar to have five hundred partnerships between them in Tests. Shakib and Mushfiqur also have 12 hundred partnerships for Bangladesh in all formats -- most for any Bangladeshi pair. 

Bangladesh reached 234 for 4 in 49 overs, leading by 20 runs. Mushfiqur remains unbeaten on 88 while Liton Das is not out on 16.