When Bangladesh dismissed Ireland for 254 in their second innings on November 15, 2025, the roar from the stands at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium wasn’t just celebration—it was confirmation. Bangladesh had won by an innings and 47 runs, turning what was expected to be a gritty contest into a masterclass in home dominance. The victory, sealed in just four days, wasn’t just about runs and wickets; it was about momentum, depth, and a team rediscovering its identity under captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who was reinstated just months after stepping down in June 2025.
A Batting Masterclass in Sylhet
Bangladesh’s first innings wasn’t just big—it was brutal. Posting 587 for 8 declared in 141 overs, they turned the pitch into a batting paradise. Mahmudul Hasan Joy led the charge with a patient, powerful 171 off 286 balls, his first Test century since 2022. His opening stand of 144 with Shadman Islam set the tone, while Shanto himself smashed a brisk 100 off 114 deliveries, including 11 boundaries and three sixes. The innings had no panic, no collapse—just methodical accumulation. Even the lower order contributed: Mehidy Hasan Miraz added 47 not out, and wicketkeeper Jaker Ali chipped in with 32 off 29 balls. Ireland’s attack, led by left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys (5/170), looked weary by lunch on day two.Ireland’s Struggles and the Follow-On Reality
Ireland’s response was never going to be easy, but their first innings of 286—bowled out in 92.2 overs—was a collapse waiting to happen. Paul Stirling’s 60 and Cade Carmichael’s gritty 59 offered brief hope, but the middle order vanished. Mehidy Hasan Miraz (3/50) and Hasan Mahmud (2/42) exploited the turning track with precision. By the end of day three, Ireland faced the follow-on, and the writing was on the wall. Their second innings, though slightly more determined, was still doomed. Andy McBrine’s 52 off 106 balls was the only resistance, and even that ended when Shanto pulled off a sharp direct hit to dismiss Stirling—his third run-out of the match. The fielding, led by Shadman Islam’s spectacular one-handed catch at mid-off, was as sharp as the bowling.The Spinners Steal the Show
The real story? Bangladesh’s spinners. With the pitch offering turn from day two, Hasan Murad and Taijul Islam became the architects of victory. Hasan Murad’s 4/60 in 14 overs was the knockout punch, especially his dismissal of McBrine and wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker in the same over on day four. Taijul, the veteran, chipped in with 3/84, his control and subtle variations proving too much for Ireland’s inexperienced middle order. The spinners bowled 57.2 overs across both innings—nearly half the total overs bowled by Bangladesh—and took 7 of the 10 wickets in Ireland’s second innings. This wasn’t luck; it was execution.
Historical Context: A Pattern of Dominance
This wasn’t an upset—it was an extension of history. Since their first Test meeting in 2018, Bangladesh has won all four Tests against Ireland. In limited-overs cricket, the gap is even wider: 11 wins in 16 ODIs and 5 in 8 T20Is. Ireland’s lone Test win against a full-member side remains their 2007 victory over Zimbabwe. Their 2023 tour of Bangladesh, where Lorcan Tucker scored a debut century, felt like a turning point. But this time, Bangladesh was better prepared. The appointment of former captain Ashraful as batting coach before the series made a difference. So did the return of Joy, the only new face in the squad after their 1-0 loss in Sri Lanka. This team wasn’t just playing—they were refining.What’s Next: Dhaka and the WTC Path
The second Test begins in Dhaka with play starting at 9:30 AM BST each day. For Bangladesh, this series is more than pride—it’s vital for their World Test Championship campaign. They sit 10th in the standings, and every point counts. Shanto’s reinstatement as captain until the end of the WTC cycle signals stability. For Ireland, the challenge is survival. They’ve lost their last 11 Test matches since 2022. Their next chance to break that streak? Not until 2026, when they host Bangladesh in Dublin.
Key Moments That Defined the Match
- Day 1: Joy and Shadman Islam put on 144 for the opening wicket; Ireland’s first session ended at 12/1.
- Day 2: Shanto’s century came in 114 balls; Ireland collapsed from 185/3 to 225/8.
- Day 3: Hasan Murad dismissed Stirling and Tucker in the same over; Ireland forced to follow-on.
- Day 4: McBrine’s 52 was the highest score in Ireland’s second innings; Hasan Murad’s 4th wicket sealed the win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Najmul Hossain Shanto reinstated as captain after stepping down in June 2025?
Shanto was reinstated after the Bangladesh Cricket Board reviewed the team’s performance following their 1-0 loss in Sri Lanka. With veteran players like Mushfiqur Rahim nearing retirement, the board needed leadership continuity. Shanto’s calm demeanor and tactical awareness, especially in home conditions, made him the clear choice to lead through the remainder of the World Test Championship cycle.
How did the Sylhet pitch influence the match outcome?
The Sylhet pitch, known for its slow, grippy surface, favored spinners from day two. While it offered good bounce early, it deteriorated sharply after 60 overs, making batting increasingly difficult. Bangladesh’s spinners exploited this perfectly, while Ireland’s lack of experience on such surfaces showed in their erratic shot selection and poor footwork.
What does this result mean for Ireland’s Test cricket future?
Ireland’s loss extends their winless streak in Test cricket to 11 matches since 2022. With only two home Tests scheduled before 2027, their window to gain experience is narrowing. Cricket Ireland may now prioritize developing spin-bowling talent and improving middle-order resilience—areas brutally exposed in Sylhet.
How significant is Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s return to the Test side?
Joy’s 171 was his first Test century in 14 innings and his first since 2022. His return was a strategic move after his omission in Sri Lanka, where Bangladesh’s top order collapsed repeatedly. His consistency at the top, combined with his calm temperament, gives Bangladesh a reliable anchor—a luxury they’ve lacked since Tamim Iqbal’s retirement.
What’s the significance of Bangladesh’s 1-0 lead in this two-match series?
A 1-0 lead puts Bangladesh in control of the World Test Championship points race. With only 12 points available per Test, this win gives them a crucial 12-point advantage over Ireland and keeps them in contention for a top-eight finish. For Ireland, losing the first Test makes their path to avoid a series whitewash nearly impossible without a miracle in Dhaka.
How does this match compare to Bangladesh’s previous Test wins over Ireland?
This was Bangladesh’s largest margin of victory over Ireland in Test cricket—surpassing their 2023 win by an innings and 31 runs in Dhaka. The 587-run total was also their highest against Ireland, and Hasan Murad’s 4-wicket haul in the second innings was the best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi spinner against Ireland in a single Test.
