On day two of the first Test in Sylhet, Bangladesh national cricket team didn’t just take control — they seized it. After bowling Ireland out for 286, they responded with a stunning, patient opening partnership that left the visitors reeling. By close of play on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, Bangladesh stood at 338 for one, with opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy carrying his bat through the day for a career-best 169 not out. The lead? A commanding 52 runs. And the Irish bowlers? They looked lost.
Irish collapse, Bangladeshi calm
Ireland resumed on 270 for eight, hoping to stretch their total beyond 300. What followed was a rapid unraveling. Just 16 more runs came before the last two wickets fell. Paul Stirling, who had looked solid overnight with 60, never got off the mark. Mehidy Hasan Miraz was the architect of the collapse, claiming three for 50, including the key wicket of Stirling. The Irish innings, which had looked promising, ended in 92.2 overs — a total that, on paper, felt manageable. But against Bangladesh’s top order, it was barely enough.Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s reply began with surgical precision. Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam added 168 for the first wicket. Islam fell for 80, caught behind off Matthew Humphreys, Ireland’s lone wicket-taker. Then came Joy — and the game changed.
Joy’s masterclass
Joy’s 169 wasn’t just big — it was beautiful. He faced 283 balls, struck 12 fours and three sixes, and never once looked hurried. He reached his century off 190 deliveries, his 150 off 265. At tea, he was on 94; at drinks, 127. He didn’t just bat — he dictated terms. His partner, captain Mominul Haque, played the perfect foil: 80 not out from 124 balls, anchoring the innings with quiet authority. Together, they added 258 runs — the second-wicket stand of the match — and turned what could’ve been a decent total into a fortress.The stadium, Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, was alive. The pitch, slow and low, rewarded patience. Ireland’s spinners, especially Humphreys, worked hard — but the runs came anyway. And when the ball was in the air, the Bangladeshi batsmen punished it. No panic. No rash shots. Just relentless accumulation.
Off-field drama and roster changes
Even as the game unfolded, off-field developments added layers. On November 11, 2025, Bangladeshi fast bowler Nahid Rana accepted a 25% match fee fine for a minor breach of the ICC Code of Conduct — a routine sanction, but one that underscored the intensity of the contest. Meanwhile, Ireland suffered a blow: opener Ross Adair was ruled out of the upcoming T20Is, replaced by Jordan Neill. It’s a reminder: this series isn’t just about Test cricket. It’s a stepping stone for Ireland, still searching for consistency at the highest level.What happens next?
Day three began with Ireland’s second innings already in trouble: 86 for five by lunch on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Andrew Richard McBrine was the lone batsman standing, unbeaten on four. The rest? Gone. The Irish tail will have to fight hard just to avoid the follow-on. And if they do, Bangladesh will be waiting — with Joy still at the crease, and the match firmly in their hands.This is only the first of two Tests. The second, scheduled for November 21, 2025, at the same venue, could be decisive. Bangladesh, playing their 130th Test, have won both previous encounters against Ireland — in Dublin in 2023 and Chattogram in 2024. But this performance? This was different. It wasn’t just about winning. It was about sending a message.
Why this matters
For Bangladesh, this is a statement of intent. After years of inconsistency, they’re showing they can dominate a Test match with bat and ball — not just survive. For Ireland, it’s another harsh lesson: Test cricket isn’t just about heart. It’s about technique, discipline, and the ability to withstand pressure. They’re still a developing side, and this series will define whether they’re ready to compete.The umpires — Shaun George and Joel Wilson — kept things tight. Match referee Richard Kettleborough watched closely. And the crowd? They knew they were witnessing something special.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s 169 compare to his previous Test performances?
Joy’s 169 was his highest Test score by far, surpassing his previous best of 122 against Zimbabwe in 2022. It was also the first time he carried his bat in a Test innings, and the second-highest individual score by a Bangladeshi opener in home conditions since 2020. His 283-ball vigil was the longest by a Bangladesh batter in the 2025 calendar year.
Why is Ireland struggling so badly in Test cricket?
Ireland’s Test record since gaining status in 2017 shows just 2 wins in 11 matches. Their batting lacks depth beyond Stirling and Adair, and their spin attack, while gritty, lacks variety. Against a disciplined side like Bangladesh, they’ve shown vulnerability to slow, turning pitches — a problem that’s persisted since their 2024 loss in Chattogram.
What’s the significance of the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in this series?
Sylhet has hosted 12 international matches since 2013, but only three Tests. Its slow, low pitch favors spinners and batsmen who play long innings — perfect conditions for Bangladesh’s style. Ireland’s lack of experience on such surfaces has been a recurring issue, making this venue a strategic choice for Bangladesh to exploit.
What impact could this result have on Bangladesh’s World Test Championship standing?
A win here would lift Bangladesh to 7th place in the WTC table, just behind West Indies and ahead of New Zealand. With only 11 matches left in the cycle, this series is critical. Bangladesh currently sit at 36% win rate — a win against Ireland, a lower-ranked side, could be the spark they need to qualify for the 2027 final.
Why was Nahid Rana fined, and does it affect his availability?
Rana was fined 25% of his match fee for showing dissent toward an umpire’s decision during Ireland’s first innings — a Level 1 breach under the ICC Code. No suspension followed, and he remains available for the second Test. The fine is procedural; it’s meant to maintain decorum, not punish performance.
How does this series compare to Ireland’s previous Test tours of Bangladesh?
Ireland’s only previous Test tour of Bangladesh was in 2024, where they lost both matches. This time, they’re facing a more settled, confident side. In 2024, Bangladesh won by six wickets in Chattogram; this time, they’ve taken control within two days. The gap in quality is widening — and Ireland’s players know it.
