IRE vs BAN (1st Test) – Highlights
Bangladesh could not have scripted a more dominant start to the Test series as they dismantled Ireland by an innings and 47 runs in Sylhet. What looked like a competitive opening day quickly turned into a one-sided contest once the home side settled into its rhythm. The gulf in temperament, skill, and endurance across five sessions ultimately proved too wide for Ireland, who showed flashes of resistance but lacked the sustained discipline required in subcontinent conditions.
IRE first innings of 286 was respectable on paper, built largely on the back of a positive 60 from Paul Stirling and a composed 59 from debutant Cade Carmichael. Curtis Campher and Lorcan Tucker chipped in with fighting 40s, but Bangladesh refused to let partnerships grow into defining stands. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the drillmaster of discipline with 3 for 50, supported by Taijul Islam and newcomer Hasan Murad who suffocated the middle overs expertly. IRE looked on course for a total beyond 320, but losing six wickets for 83 runs shifted the momentum permanently toward the hosts.
From that moment on, the Test became a batting exhibition from BAN. Mahmudul Hasan Joy played the innings of his life, a measured and commanding 171 that never allowed Ireland’s bowlers to settle. Joy’s patience against spin and confidence against the seamers stood out, making him a deserving Player of the Match. Shadman Islam supported him with a brisk 80 to give Bangladesh early control before the middle order piled on to flatten Ireland completely. Mominul Haque’s elegant 82 and Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s aggressive 100 added to the avalanche of runs. Litton Das contributed a polished 60 to accelerate the innings past the psychological barrier of 550, allowing Shanto to declare at 587 for 8 and leave Ireland to face the pressure of the deficit.
Chasing 301 just to make BAN bat again was always going to be mentally exhausting for the visitors, and the second innings played out accordingly. Paul Stirling once again attempted to push the tempo with 43, while Andy McBrine and Andy Balbirnie fought hard with half-centuries and a gritty 38, respectively. However, Hasan Murad was the wrecker-in-chief this time, claiming 4 wickets with sharp turn and bounce. Taijul Islam added three, stitching together relentless spells that systematically dismantled the Irish batting order. Ireland crumbled for 254 in 70.2 overs, confirming a heavy defeat despite moments of grit.
For Bangladesh, this win was not just about the margin but the method. A young batting core stood tall, the spinners worked in packs, and debutants made meaningful contributions. For Ireland, the lesson is clear: resilience must be backed by tactical adaptation if they want to compete in the longer format on subcontinental soil.
Ireland vs Bangladesh Scoreboard
Ireland – 286 & 254
Bangladesh – 587/8d
Result – Bangladesh won by an innings and 47 runs
Player of the Match – Mahmudul Hasan Joy
Mahmudul Hasan Joy
IRE vs BAN Playing Eleven
Ireland | Andy Balbirnie (c), Paul Stirling, Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Andy McBrine, Jordan Neill, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Craig Young |
Bangladesh | Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Hasan Murad, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Taijul Islam |
Disclaimer: The following match highlights are based on the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider these perspectives and form their own conclusions.
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