When Bangladesh declared their first innings at 476/10 on day one of the second Test against Ireland at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, it wasn’t just a big score—it was a statement. By stumps, Ireland had slumped to 98/5 in 38 overs, trailing by 378 runs, and facing the very real prospect of an innings defeat. The pitch, slow and low, turned into a batter’s paradise under clear November skies, and Bangladesh’s top order seized the moment with ruthless precision.
Domination Through Patience and Precision
Bangladesh didn’t blast their way to 476—they built it, brick by brick. Opening pair Shadman Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy put on 52 for the first wicket, but the real backbone came later. Litton Das, the 27-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman, delivered his fourth Test century in 158 balls, a masterclass in concentration. His 100 included seven fours and two sixes, but more telling was his ability to absorb pressure after the early collapse. He batted for over four hours, surviving a controversial LBW referral at 122.6 overs that went in his favor—Ireland had just two reviews left, and now they’re down to one.
Joining him in the spotlight was Mushfiqur Rahim, the veteran whose 12th Test hundred came in 195 balls, a quiet, disciplined innings that steadied the ship after the top order fell cheaply. The 50-run stand between Das and Rahim in 83 balls was the turning point. It wasn’t flashy, but it was vital. By lunch, Bangladesh were 387/5, and by tea, they were closing in on 450. The new ball, taken at 261/4, did little. The pitch offered no pace, no swing—just grip and turn.
Where Ireland Crumbled
When Ireland stepped out to bat, expectations were low—but not this low. Their top order, expected to show grit after a hard-fought draw in the first Test, imploded like a house of cards. Captain Graham Kennedy fell for 12, caught behind off Mehidy Hasan Miraz’s first over. The next three wickets—Niall O’Brien, Andy McBrine, and George Dockrell—fell within 18 balls, all to spin. Mehidy Hasan Miraz finished with 3/48, but it was the off-spinner Shakib Al Hasan who strangled the innings with 2/28 in 16 overs, including the key dismissal of O’Brien.
Only Matthew Humphreys offered resistance, surviving 78 balls for his 23 not out. But he was the lone bright spot in a sea of uncertainty. Ireland’s other bowlers, including Gavin Hoey (20-0-121-0) and Conor Olphert (18-0-98-2), looked exhausted. Hoey, a promising young all-rounder, bowled his full quota without reward. The CRR of 2.58 wasn’t just slow—it was unsustainable against a side that has now won 11 of their last 13 home Tests.
Historical Context: Bangladesh’s Rise at Home
This isn’t the first time Bangladesh has crushed an touring side here. In 2022, they bowled out England for 87 in a 1-0 series win. In 2023, Sri Lanka were skittled for 117 in the first innings. The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium has become a fortress—not because of pace or bounce, but because of spin, patience, and pitch preparation that favors home conditions. Bangladesh’s win rate at home since 2020 is 68%, the highest in Test cricket among full members during that period.
For Ireland, this is the second time in three years they’ve been bowled out for under 200 in Bangladesh. Their 2023 tour ended in a 2-0 whitewash. Now, with just one Test remaining in the series, their chances of avoiding a clean sweep are fading fast.
What’s Next: Can Ireland Survive Day Two?
Ireland need 386 more runs just to make Bangladesh bat again. That’s a mountain. Their best hope lies in Humphreys and the tail—Olphert and Tim Murtagh have both batted in the top 10 before. But the spinners are fresh. Shakib has bowled just 16 overs. Mehidy has 14. The pitch is still gripping. And the weather forecast? Clear skies through Thursday.
If Ireland lose by an innings, it will be their 11th such defeat in Test cricket—and their third against Bangladesh. For a team still fighting for Test credibility, this is a nightmare scenario.
Behind the Numbers: The Stats That Tell the Story
- Bangladesh’s 476 is their highest Test total against Ireland, surpassing the 420 they scored in 2023.
- Litton Das’s 100 is his fourth Test century—tied for the most by a Bangladeshi wicketkeeper.
- Mushfiqur Rahim’s 12th Test hundred moves him past Shahriar Nafees into second place on Bangladesh’s all-time list, behind only Tamim Iqbal.
- Only one Irish batsman (Humphreys) has faced more than 50 balls in their innings so far.
- Since 2015, no visiting team has scored more than 200 in their first innings at Mirpur.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Ireland’s Test status?
A loss by an innings would be Ireland’s third such defeat against Bangladesh since 2018, deepening concerns about their competitiveness in Test cricket. With only 10 full members in the ICC, Ireland’s status relies on consistent performances. Another heavy loss could delay their chances of securing a permanent Test spot under the new ICC ranking system, which rewards results against top-tier teams.
Why has Bangladesh been so dominant at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium?
The pitch at Sher-e-Bangla is meticulously prepared to favor spin and slow turn, especially after the first day. The soil composition retains moisture, and the surface cracks as the match progresses. Bangladesh’s spinners—Shakib, Mehidy, and Taijul Islam—have trained here for years. The home team also knows how to exploit the conditions, often setting fields and rotating bowlers to maximize pressure.
What’s the significance of Litton Das’s century?
Litton Das’s 100 was his fourth Test century and his first in 2025, ending a long drought since his last hundred in 2023. As Bangladesh’s designated wicketkeeper-batsman, his form is critical. With Mushfiqur Rahim nearing retirement, Das is being positioned as the future leader. This innings proved he can handle high-pressure situations, especially against quality spin bowling.
Can Ireland still save the match?
It’s mathematically possible but highly unlikely. Ireland would need to bat for over 150 overs just to avoid an innings defeat. Their top order has shown no resilience, and their tail hasn’t delivered in recent matches. Even if they survive, they’d need to score over 400 in their second innings to have any chance—a feat no team has managed here against Bangladesh since 2017.
Who are the key players to watch on Day Two?
For Ireland, Matthew Humphreys and Tim Murtagh must bat deep. For Bangladesh, Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be the main threats. If either takes three or more wickets, the match could end before lunch on Day Three. Also watch the pitch—cracks are widening, and if the ball starts to seam, Ireland’s pace bowlers might get a lifeline.
What does this mean for the 2025 Ireland-Bangladesh series?
Bangladesh now leads 1-0 after the first Test ended in a draw. A win here would seal a 2-0 series victory—their first-ever Test series win against Ireland. For Ireland, it would be their 10th consecutive Test series loss outside the British Isles. The result will heavily influence ICC rankings and future scheduling, potentially pushing Ireland further down the pecking order.