Bangladesh Crush Ireland by Innings and 47 Runs in Sylhet to Lead Series 1-0
Kieran Lockhart
When Bangladesh wrapped up victory over Ireland by an innings and 47 runs inside four days at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, it wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. From November 11 to November 14, 2025, under clear skies and humid heat, Bangladesh delivered a masterclass in home conditions, exposing the gulf between a rising Test nation and a team still finding its feet in the longest format. The result? A 1-0 lead in the two-match Dutch-Bangla Bank Bangladesh Ireland Test Series 2025, with the second Test set to begin November 19 in Dhaka.
Centuries and Spin: The Blueprint for Victory
It began with Ireland winning the toss and choosing to bat — a decision that looked brave until the scoreboard began to bleed. They were bowled out for 286 in 92.2 overs, with Hasan Murad — the left-arm spinner who had been quietly building his reputation — delivering the first major blow. His four-wicket haul in the match came at the perfect time, breaking partnerships and turning pressure into dismissals. But the real damage was done with the bat.Mahmudul Hasan Joy announced himself on the global stage with a blistering 169 off just 190 balls — nine fours, one six, and a calmness that belied his age. He didn’t just score runs; he dictated terms. His 150-run stand with Shadman Islam (74) set the tone, and later, his 50-run partnership with Mominul Haque (27) kept the momentum alive. But the crown jewel? Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto’s century. He didn’t need flash. He needed substance. And he delivered — anchoring the innings while others attacked. Together, Bangladesh posted 587, their highest total against Ireland and the fourth-highest at Sylhet since 2018.
Ireland’s Fight — and Its Limits
Ireland’s second innings began with a 301-run deficit. No team in Test history has ever chased such a margin to win — and no team ever will. But they tried. Andy McBrine and Andy Balbirnie, Ireland’s most experienced batters, fought through the middle session of Day 4, adding 72 runs for the fifth wicket. At one point, with the score at 86/5 in 34.3 overs, collapse seemed inevitable. Yet, they clung on. For a while, it looked like they might avoid the innings defeat — the same fate they narrowly escaped in 2023, when wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker scored 108 on debut.This time, there was no Tucker heroics. No last-wicket stand to save face. Just steady pressure from Bangladesh’s spinners, tight field placements, and a seam attack that kept the ball alive. When Hasan Murad trapped Andy Balbirnie lbw for 47, the writing was on the wall. Ireland fell for 254 — 333 runs short of the target. The scoreboard told the story: 286 and 254 against 587. No contest.
A Legacy of Dominance — And a Pattern Emerging
This was only the second Test between the two sides. In 2023, at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, Ireland survived an innings defeat thanks to Tucker’s debut century. That match was a moral victory for Ireland — a sign they could compete. This one? It wasn’t even close.Now, Bangladesh leads the head-to-head 2-0 in Tests. In limited-overs cricket, the dominance is even starker: 11 wins in 16 ODIs, 5 in 8 T20Is. What’s changing? Bangladesh’s spinners are no longer just specialists — they’re match-winners. Their fielding has tightened. Their top order now has the patience to build big totals. And crucially, they’re learning how to close out games.
Ireland, meanwhile, remains stuck in transition. Their batting lacks depth beyond McBrine and Balbirnie. Their spinners — Andy McBrine and Mark Adair — are decent, but not enough to contain a well-set top order on turning tracks. As India Today noted, “Ireland’s batters are still learning how to read subcontinental turn — and Bangladesh’s bowlers are experts at exploiting that.”
What Comes Next? The Dhaka Test Looms
The second Test begins November 19 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium — the same venue where Ireland clawed back in 2023. Will they return with a new strategy? A new batsman? A new mindset? Or will Bangladesh, buoyed by confidence and home advantage, complete a clean sweep?For Bangladesh, this win isn’t just about points. It’s about credibility. They’re no longer just a team that wins at home — they’re becoming a team that dominates. For Ireland, it’s a reality check. The gap isn’t closing. It’s widening.
And the clock is ticking. With the ICC Test Championship rankings looming, every series matters. Bangladesh’s rise is no longer a whisper. It’s a roar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Hasan Murad’s performance impact the match outcome?
Hasan Murad’s four-wicket haul — including key breakthroughs in both innings — broke Ireland’s resistance at critical junctures. His left-arm spin exploited the turning Sylhet pitch, forcing errors from middle-order batters like Andy Balbirnie and Lorcan Tucker. His economy rate of 2.8 runs per over and ability to contain while building pressure made him the linchpin of Bangladesh’s bowling attack.
Why has Bangladesh dominated Ireland in all formats?
Bangladesh’s home advantage, superior spin bowling, and deeper batting lineups have consistently overwhelmed Ireland’s limited resources. While Ireland relies heavily on a few experienced players, Bangladesh now has a balanced squad with emerging talents like Joy and Shanto leading the charge. Their fitness, fielding standards, and tactical discipline have improved dramatically since 2018.
What’s different about this Bangladesh team compared to their 2023 performance?
In 2023, Bangladesh won but struggled to close out innings quickly. This time, they enforced the follow-on and bowled Ireland out in under 100 overs on Day 4. Their top order is now more aggressive, their spinners more varied, and their captaincy sharper. Najmul Hossain Shanto’s leadership has matured — he’s no longer just a batter, but a strategist.
What challenges does Ireland face on subcontinental pitches?
Ireland’s batters struggle with the extra turn, low bounce, and long spells from spinners. Their technique, developed on green, fast English pitches, doesn’t translate well to slow, turning tracks. They lack specialist spinners who can counter Bangladesh’s attack, and their middle order lacks the patience to rebuild after early wickets — as seen in their 86/5 collapse.
Is this series a sign Bangladesh is becoming a Test powerhouse?
Absolutely. With three consecutive Test wins at home, a top-8 ranking in the ICC Test Championship, and a generation of players like Joy and Shanto stepping up, Bangladesh is no longer a team that survives — they’re becoming a team that conquers. This win in Sylhet wasn’t luck. It was preparation, execution, and belief.
What’s at stake in the second Test in Dhaka?
For Bangladesh, it’s about completing a 2-0 sweep and solidifying their home dominance. For Ireland, it’s about avoiding a whitewash and proving they can adapt. A win in Dhaka would be their first Test victory against Bangladesh — and only their third ever in 11 attempts. The pressure is on them to deliver.
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