When Bangladesh declared their first innings at 587 for 8 on November 13, 2025, the writing was on the wall for Ireland. By the close of play on the fifth day at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, the visitors had been bowled out for 254 in their second innings — falling 47 runs short of forcing Bangladesh to bat again. The result: an innings and 47-run victory, the most decisive in the teams’ Test history. It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.
Domination from the Start
Bangladesh didn’t just outplay Ireland — they overwhelmed them. After winning the toss and electing to bat, their top order laid a foundation that would prove impossible to overcome. Mominul Haque anchored the innings with 82 off 132 balls, while Shadman Islam blasted 80 off just 104, his aggressive strokeplay setting the tone. The middle order, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mushfiqur Rahim, added crucial runs before captain Najmul Hossain Shanto declared. The pitch, a slow, turning surface, rewarded patience — and Bangladesh had it in abundance.
Ireland’s reply was a study in frustration. They managed 286 in 92.2 overs — a run rate of just 3.09. No batter crossed 60. Paul Stirling, their most experienced batter, made 60 before being run out by a direct hit from Shanto. Curtis Campher and Lorcan Tucker offered brief resistance, but both fell to the relentless Hasan Murad, who finished with 4 for 60. The Irish batting order, so often fragile on subcontinental pitches, looked lost.
The Bowling Attack That Broke Ireland
What made this win decisive wasn’t just the batting — it was the bowling. Hasan Murad was the destroyer-in-chief, but he wasn’t alone. Taijul Islam took 3 for 84, spinning the ball viciously on Day 4 to trap Andy McBrine and James Neill. Miraz, the allrounder, claimed the crucial wickets of Charles Carmichael and Harry Tector — the latter dismissed for just 1 after a promising start.
Even the lesser-known names made an impact. Hasan Mahmud bowled 13.2 overs with 4 maidens, conceding just 42 runs and taking 2 wickets. His economy rate of 3.16 was the stingiest among Bangladesh’s frontline bowlers. And then there was the fielding — Shadman Islam’s diving catch at mid-off, described by commentators as "a moment that rocked Sylhet," and Shanto’s laser-guided direct hit on Stirling. These weren’t just runs saved. They were morale shatterers.
Leadership Reborn: Shanto’s Return
This wasn’t just a team win — it was a personal triumph for Najmul Hossain Shanto. He’d stepped down as captain in June 2025 after a rocky run in Sri Lanka, where Bangladesh lost the series 1-0. But with the World Test Championship cycle hanging in the balance, the Bangladesh Cricket Board reinstated him — and the decision paid off in spades. Shanto didn’t just lead from the front; he played a captain’s innings under pressure, scoring 43 in the first innings and marshaling his bowlers with calm authority.
His return coincided with the appointment of Mohammad Ashraful as batting coach — a move that brought a new sense of discipline. Ashraful, a former captain himself, emphasized patience and shot selection. The results were visible: Bangladesh’s top six averaged 42.3 in this Test, up from 28.7 in their last series.
A Pattern of Dominance
This wasn’t an anomaly. On April 4, 2023, at the same venue, Bangladesh defeated Ireland by an innings and 73 runs. The Irish team then had a different look — fewer experienced players, less exposure to spin. Now, they were more seasoned, yet still outclassed. That’s the reality of Test cricket in Bangladesh: the conditions favor the home side, and the gap in technique, especially against turn, remains wide.
For Ireland, this was a harsh lesson. They came with hopes of competing, even winning. Instead, they were outplayed in every department. Their best batter, Andy McBrine, managed only 52 in the second innings — a gritty effort, but too little, too late. Their captain, Craig Young, ended the match not out on 6 — a symbol of how little the tail could do.
What Comes Next?
Bangladesh now turns its attention to the T20I series scheduled for late November and December — a chance to rest key bowlers and test younger talent. But this Test win has set the tone: under Shanto and Ashraful, they’re building something durable. For Ireland, the tour continues, but the message is clear: until they develop a better plan against spin-heavy attacks on slow pitches, Test success in Bangladesh will remain a distant dream.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Bangladesh’s batting lineup perform compared to their previous Test series?
In their last Test series against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh’s top six averaged just 28.7. Against Ireland, that jumped to 42.3, thanks to disciplined batting under new coach Mohammad Ashraful. Mominul Haque and Shadman Islam both scored centuries in the last two home Tests, showing improved consistency. The team also reduced their dismissal rate in the first 20 overs by 35% compared to 2024.
Why was Hasan Murad so effective in this match?
Hasan Murad exploited the Sylhet pitch’s early moisture and subtle seam movement, which faded after the first day. He bowled a tight line outside off-stump, forcing Ireland’s batters into risky drives. His 4 wickets included three top-order players caught behind or lbw. His economy rate of 4.54 was the best among Bangladesh’s frontline bowlers, and his ability to maintain pressure for long spells broke Ireland’s resolve.
What role did the pitch play in Bangladesh’s victory?
The Sylhet pitch offered significant turn from Day 2 onward, with cracks developing under the hot November sun. It favored spinners like Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who bowled 62.3 overs combined. Ireland’s batters, unused to such conditions, struggled to read the flight and variation. Bangladesh’s batsmen, however, had trained extensively on similar surfaces, giving them a clear edge in shot selection and footwork.
How does this win affect Bangladesh’s World Test Championship standings?
This victory earned Bangladesh 24 points in the World Test Championship, lifting them to 6th place with a win percentage of 41.7%. They now trail only South Africa, Australia, India, England, and New Zealand. With four Tests remaining in the cycle, including home matches against South Africa and Sri Lanka, this win gives them a realistic shot at qualifying for the final — something they’ve never achieved before.
What challenges does Ireland face moving forward in Test cricket?
Ireland’s biggest challenge remains adapting to spin-heavy, slow pitches — a weakness exposed in all three of their away Tests in Asia. Their batting lacks depth beyond Stirling and McBrine, and their spinners — like George Dockrell — struggle to match the control of Bangladesh’s Taijul and Miraz. Without a dedicated spin academy or regular exposure to such conditions, their Test future remains uncertain unless they invest in overseas training camps.
Was this match broadcast live, and where can fans find highlights?
Yes, FanCode streamed the match live with multi-angle replays and real-time stats. Key highlights include a 9-minute clip titled "Bangladesh beat Ireland by an innings and 47 runs," and a 21-minute segment from Day 3 showing Ireland’s collapse. The platform also offers segmented highlights by day, with commentary from former Test players like Habibul Bashar and Eoin Morgan.