Bangladesh v Ireland: Second Test interrupted by earthquake in Dhaka

The third day of Ireland’s second Test in Bangladesh was temporarily stopped because of a 5.7 magnitude earthquake in capital city Dhaka.

According to Reuters, the government in Bangladesh said at least five people had been killed in the incident on Friday, and around 100 people had been injured.

Ireland were batting at the time the earthquake struck and players remained on the field of play at the Shere Bangla National Stadium.

Coaches and players not involved gathered at the boundary, while those in the stands took shelter.

The game was stopped for three minutes but play soon resumed with Ireland in pursuit of Bangladesh’s total of 476.

Cricket Ireland said “all involved in this game today are thinking of those affected by this event”.

Ireland head coach Heinrich Malan said: “I’ve been involved in a couple of earthquakes from my time living in New Zealand.

“It’s never a nice feeling and you’re trying to understand what is happening in the moment around you, but also the bigger impacts about where the earthquake struck.

“Everything stood still for a couple of minutes and we got back to business, but we’re thinking of everyone and hoping there wasn’t too much damage done.”

Despite a fourth Test half-century from Lorcan Tucker and a 49 from Jordan Neill, Ireland, who were 98-5 at close of play on Thursday, were all out for 265 but as the Najmul Hossain Shanto opted against enforcing the follow-on and the hosts returned to the crease.

Shadman Islam’s unbeaten 69 and 60 from Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who was dismissed by Gavin Hoey, moved Bangladesh 367 runs clear, with another nine wickets remaining.

Bangladesh won the first Test of the two-game series by an innings and 47 runs. It will be followed by three T20 internationals.