The typically intense atmosphere of Test cricket took a literal jolt this morning when an earthquake struck Dhaka, temporarily halting the second Test match between Bangladesh and Ireland at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
The tremors, which were confirmed by geological surveys to be a Magnitude 5.7 earthquake with an epicenter near Narsingdi, Bangladesh, struck at approximately 10:38 AM local time during the first session of Day 3.
On-Field Disruption
The moment the shaking began, proceedings immediately came to a halt. On-air commentators reported feeling distinct tremors in the commentary box. Spectators in the stands also felt shaken, and for a brief period, all eyes were off the pitch.
In a precautionary measure, the Irish players who were in the dressing room—already under pressure with the score at 165/5—emerged onto the field and gathered near the boundary ropes. Play was stopped for a short while before safety clearance was given by officials, and the match resumed. Cricket Ireland confirmed the disruption on X, stating: “Goodness. Play has stopped here due to a minor tremor/earthquake.”
Day 3 Action Before the Tremor
Prior to the interruption, the Irish batting effort had shown signs of stability. Stephen Doheny and Lorcan Tucker had successfully weathered a tricky spell to establish an 81-run partnership, capitalizing on the inconsistent bowling attack to find boundaries. This partnership followed a disappointing Day 2 batting performance by Ireland, which saw them collapse to 98 for 5 by stumps against Bangladesh’s spin attack, spearheaded by Hasan Murad, Taijul Islam, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz.
Bangladesh, led by veteran century makers Mushfiqur Rahim (106) and Litton Das (100), had earlier posted a commanding total of 476 in their first innings. Andy McBrine was the pick of the Irish bowlers, claiming his second six-wicket haul in Tests.
Despite the brief, dramatic interruption caused by the earthquake, the match resumed with Bangladesh firmly in control, continuing their hunt for wickets to wrap up the Irish second innings.