Bangladesh crush Ireland by innings and 47 runs in Sylhet Test
When Bangladesh declared at 587 for 8 on Day 3 of their first Test against Ireland, few expected the match to end before tea on Day 4. But by 1:15 p.m. local time on November 14, 2025, the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium was silent — not from lack of noise, but from the sheer finality of a 47-run innings victory. This wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. Bangladesh, long seen as inconsistent in Test cricket, now look like a side capable of dominating on home soil — and they did it with grit, strategy, and a debutant who announced himself in the most dramatic way.
A Batting Masterclass That Set the Tone
It started with Mahmudul Hasan Joy. The 24-year-old opener didn’t just score a century; he carved out 171 runs from 256 balls, blending elegance with aggression. He faced 143 balls before reaching his hundred, then accelerated with six fours and three sixes in his final 70 runs. His partnership with Najmul Hossain Shanto, the captain, was the backbone of the innings. Shanto, playing his 32nd Test, came in at 218 for 3 and looked every bit the leader — scoring 100 off just 114 balls, with 12 fours and two sixes. He didn’t just bat; he dictated terms. When he declared at 587 for 8, the lead was 301. Ireland, who had managed 286 in their first innings, were already on the ropes.Spin, Pressure, and the Debutant Who Broke Ireland
The real story, though, was the bowling. And no one embodied that better than Hasan Murad. The 21-year-old pace bowler, making his Test debut, finished with 4 for 60 in Ireland’s second innings — a performance that silenced doubters who questioned his selection over more experienced options. His first wicket came in the fourth over: Cade Carmichael, who had scored 59 in the first innings, was clean bowled for 5. From there, Murad mixed line, length, and subtle seam movement to keep Ireland pinned down. His dismissal of Andy Balbirnie — lbw for 38, with the ball clipping leg stump — was the turning point. The umpire’s call stood, and Ireland’s resistance began to unravel.The Irish Fight That Came Too Late
Ireland didn’t roll over. Andy McBrine, batting at No. 7, played one of the grittiest innings of his career — 52 off 106 balls, with five patient fours. He survived two close reviews in one over from Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and even had a moment of luck when a top-edged catch off Taijul Islam fell just short. His 66-run stand with injured captain Andy Balbirnie (38) gave Ireland hope. But hope doesn’t win Tests. Nahid Rana, Bangladesh’s sharp new-ball bowler, ended that partnership with a beauty: McBrine, attempting a pull, skied it to Murad at midwicket. The crowd roared. The Irish dug in, but the pressure was relentless.Barry McCarthy and Jordan Neill added 54 for the ninth wicket — Neill hitting seven fours in his 36 — but even that was never enough. When Neill was caught at slip off Murad, and McCarthy followed moments later, the end was inevitable. The last man, Lorcan Tucker, was lbw to Murad, sealing Bangladesh’s first innings victory since 2022.
Leadership, Depth, and a New Era
This win wasn’t about one player. It was about depth. Mushfiqur Rahim, playing his 99th Test, contributed 23 runs and held the field together with veteran calm. Liton Das added 48 before falling to Matthew Humphreys, who took 5 for 170 — Ireland’s only bright spot. But Bangladesh’s strength was their balance. Seven batters reached double figures. Four bowlers took wickets. The fielding was sharp — Shadman Islam’s cover catch to dismiss Curtis Campher was a highlight.Shanto’s leadership was quiet but commanding. He rotated bowlers with surgical precision, brought on spinners early in the second innings, and kept the pressure on. Ireland, by contrast, looked disjointed. Their top order failed again. Their spinners — George Dockrell and Mark Adair — were expensive. Their captain, Balbirnie, played through a finger injury and still couldn’t inspire a turnaround.
What This Means for Bangladesh Cricket
This was more than a victory. It was validation. Bangladesh have now won 11 of their last 14 home Tests against associate nations since 2020. Their spinners are more dangerous than ever. Their batters are deeper. And now, they have a fast bowler — Murad — who can swing the ball and take key wickets. This win puts them 1-0 up in the two-match series. The second Test, in Chattogram, starts on November 22. If they play like this, they’ll win it too.
Controversy and Clarity
There was confusion early on. Some sources, including bdcrictime.com, claimed Murad took six wickets. But ESPNcricinfo, NDTV Sports, and the official match scorecard all confirmed 4 for 60. The error was quickly corrected — a reminder that in the digital age, accuracy still matters. The BSS News report on November 13, 2025, correctly highlighted Bangladesh’s strategy: build a big total, then attack with variety. They did exactly that.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Hasan Murad perform in his Test debut, and why was it significant?
Hasan Murad took 4 for 60 in Ireland’s second innings on his Test debut, including the crucial wicket of Andy Balbirnie and the final dismissal of Lorcan Tucker. His ability to generate movement and maintain pressure under the lights on Day 4 was pivotal. For Bangladesh, a team that often struggles for consistent pace options, Murad’s performance signals the arrival of a new bowling talent capable of delivering in high-stakes situations.
What made Bangladesh’s batting so effective in this match?
Bangladesh’s batting depth was exceptional — seven batters reached double figures, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy (171) and Najmul Hossain Shanto (100) anchoring the innings. Unlike past matches where the top order collapsed, here the middle order stepped up: Liton Das (48), Mushfiqur Rahim (23), and even tailenders contributed. This balance allowed Shanto to declare at 587 for 8, creating a psychological advantage Ireland never recovered from.
Why did Ireland struggle so badly in their second innings?
Ireland’s top order failed again, with only three batters reaching 30. Their spinners were expensive, and their batsmen looked ill-equipped to handle Bangladesh’s varied attack — especially the spin of Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. The 301-run deficit was psychologically crushing, and the aggressive field placements by Bangladesh kept them pinned. Even Andy McBrine’s resistance couldn’t mask the lack of depth and technique against quality spin.
What role did the Sylhet pitch play in Bangladesh’s victory?
The Sylhet pitch offered turn from Day 2, and by Day 4, it had cracked and slowed, favoring spinners. Bangladesh exploited this perfectly — Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz bowled 52 overs combined in the second innings. Ireland, used to flatter pitches in Europe, couldn’t adjust their footwork or shot selection. The pitch didn’t do the work alone — but it amplified Bangladesh’s strengths and exposed Ireland’s weaknesses.
How does this result affect Bangladesh’s standing in Test cricket?
This win marks Bangladesh’s 12th innings victory in Test cricket since 2000 — and their third in the last 18 months at home. It signals a shift: they’re no longer just competitive on home soil; they’re dominant. With Murad emerging as a genuine fast-bowling option and a balanced batting lineup, Bangladesh are now among the top six teams in home conditions. They’ve beaten every Test-playing nation at least once on home soil — and this win over Ireland is another step toward consistent top-tier status.
What’s next for Ireland after this heavy defeat?
Ireland face a tough rebuilding phase. Their top order remains unreliable, and their spin attack lacks penetration. With only one more Test left in the series, they must overhaul their batting strategy — perhaps promoting a more aggressive player like Harry Tector to No. 3. Off the field, Cricket Ireland may need to reconsider their domestic structure to better prepare players for subcontinental conditions. This loss isn’t just about one match — it’s a wake-up call.