On a humid Monday evening in Sylhet, with the temperature clinging at 27°C, Bangladesh wrapped up a commanding innings-and-47-run victory over Ireland in the first Test of their 2025 series — ending the match a day early at 7:30 PM local time on the 1st Test of the Dutch-Bangla Bank Bangladesh Ireland Test Series 2025Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.
Domination from the First Ball
Paul Stirling, Ireland’s captain, won the toss and opted to bat — a decision that looked brave until it became painfully obvious. Bangladesh’s bowling attack, led by veteran Mehidy Hasan Miraz (3/50) and debutant Hasan Murad (4/60), carved through the Irish top order like a scalpel. Ireland, all out for 286 in 92.2 overs, never looked in control. Paul Stirling fought hard with 60 off 76, but the rest collapsed under pressure.Then came the hammer blow.
Bangladesh replied with 587/8 declared in 141 overs — a total built on grit, patience, and one sensational knock. Mahmudul Hasan Joy, recalled to the Test squad after being left out during the Sri Lanka tour, smashed 171 off 286 balls — his first Test century since 2022. He batted for nearly seven hours, anchoring a lineup that included three other half-centuries. It was the kind of innings that silences doubters and reminds the cricket world why Bangladesh’s batting depth is no longer an afterthought.
Debutants and Comebacks
This match was a launchpad for new talent. Hasan Murad, a 22-year-old off-spinner from Sylhet, took 4 for 60 in Ireland’s second innings — the final nail in the coffin. His figures were the most by a Bangladeshi debutant in a Test since 2018. On the other side, Ireland’s Cade Carmichael and Jordan Neill made their Test debuts. Neill, interestingly, was only called up last week after Ross Adair was ruled out with a stress injury in his knee — a blow that forced Ireland to reshuffle their T20I plans too.
And then there was the captain. Najmul Hossain Shanto, reinstated as Bangladesh’s Test skipper in August after stepping down in June, led with calm authority. His leadership wasn’t flashy — no grand speeches, no wild gestures — just steady decision-making. He backed his bowlers, trusted his batters, and didn’t panic when Ireland showed brief resistance. The result? Bangladesh’s first Test win since April 2023 — and their second straight against Ireland.
Historical Edge and Rising Rivalry
Bangladesh now leads the head-to-head in Tests 1-0. It sounds small — until you remember that Ireland has played just two Tests against them, both in Bangladesh. In ODIs, Bangladesh has won 11 of 16. In T20Is, it’s 5-2. The gap isn’t just growing — it’s accelerating. Ireland, despite their spirited performances in the World Cup and recent ODI series wins over Zimbabwe, still lack the depth and consistency to compete at Test level against full-member nations.
And yet — there’s hope. Ireland’s Lorcan Tucker scored a century on debut in Dhaka in 2023, becoming only the sixth wicketkeeper ever to do so in Test cricket. That moment, though lost in a 155-run chase, signaled potential. This time, with Andy McBrine scoring 52 in the second innings, Ireland showed they can still fight. But fight alone doesn’t win Tests.
What’s Next? The Real Test Begins
The second Test starts November 19 in Dhaka — a venue where Bangladesh hasn’t lost a Test since 2021. The pitch will be flatter, the crowd louder. Ireland will need to fix their top-order fragility — they’ve averaged just 24.3 in their last five Test innings against full members. And they’ll need to find a spinner who can handle Bangladesh’s middle order, which now looks more dangerous than ever.
After the Tests, the three-match T20I series begins. With Jordan Neill now in the squad, Ireland may look to accelerate their youth transition. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s coaching staff — now including former batsman Ashraful — will be watching how Joy’s form holds up. If he keeps scoring, he could force his way into the World Test Championship squad.
For now, Sylhet is quiet. The pitch has been rolled. The stands are empty. But the echoes of 587 runs, of Hasan Murad’s four wickets, of Joy’s patient century — they linger. Bangladesh didn’t just win a Test. They reminded everyone they’re no longer just a team trying to catch up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is this win for Bangladesh’s Test cricket ambitions?
This win is Bangladesh’s first Test victory in over 18 months and reinforces their status as a consistent force at home. With a 1-0 lead in the series and strong performances from debutants like Hasan Murad and veteran Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Bangladesh is building a core capable of challenging top-eight Test teams. Their home record since 2021 is now 8 wins in 10 matches.
Why did Ireland struggle so badly in their second innings?
Ireland’s second innings collapse (254 all out) was due to poor shot selection against spin, particularly on a wearing Sylhet pitch. Hasan Murad’s accuracy and Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s subtle variations pinned the batsmen down. Ireland’s middle order — McBrine and George Dockrell — couldn’t adapt, and their top order failed again after a promising start. They’ve now lost 12 of their last 13 Test innings against full-member nations.
Who are the key players to watch in the second Test?
For Bangladesh, Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s form is critical — if he scores another century, he could become a permanent fixture. Hasan Murad’s confidence will be tested on a flatter Dhaka pitch. For Ireland, captain Paul Stirling must lead with the bat, and young opener Cade Carmichael needs to build on his debut 38. Their spin duo of McBrine and Matty Humphreys must contain Bangladesh’s aggressive middle order.
How did the pitch and weather affect the match?
The Sylhet pitch offered early assistance to seamers, then turned sharply from Day 2 onward, favoring spin. With temperatures hovering around 27°C and high humidity, the ball held its shape longer than usual, helping Murad and Miraz extract consistent turn. The early finish on Day 4 was possible because the pitch deteriorated faster than expected — a factor Bangladesh’s captain exploited by declaring at 587/8.
What does this mean for Ireland’s upcoming T20I series?
The Test loss puts pressure on Ireland’s T20I squad to bounce back quickly. With Ross Adair injured and Jordan Neill promoted, Ireland may experiment with a more aggressive top order. But their bowling lacks pace and variation — a problem exposed in both formats. Winning the T20Is will be essential to salvage some pride after a heavy Test defeat.
Is this Bangladesh’s best Test team yet?
Possibly. With a settled top order, a potent spin attack led by Miraz and Murad, and a captain in Shanto who commands respect, Bangladesh now has its most balanced Test side since 2017. The addition of Ashraful as batting coach has improved their technique under pressure. If they can replicate this form in away conditions, they could climb into the top 8 of the World Test Championship.