When Bangladesh Cricket Board hosted Cricket Ireland for the first Test of their 2025-26 home series, few expected the margin to be this brutal. But from November 11 to 14, 2025, at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh didn’t just beat Ireland—they dismantled them by an innings and 47 runs. The result wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. And it gave Bangladesh a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series, with the second Test set to begin on November 18 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka.
A Batting Masterclass in Sylhet
Bangladesh didn’t just post a big total—they made it count. After winning the toss, Ireland batted first and were bowled out for 286, with Paul Stirling’s 60 offering fleeting resistance. But when Mahmudul Hasan Joy walked out to bat in the home side’s first innings, the game shifted. The 24-year-old right-hander played the innings of his life: 171 runs off 286 balls, his maiden Test century and career-best score. He didn’t just score runs—he controlled the tempo, punishing loose deliveries and rotating strike with calm precision. By the time Bangladesh declared at 587 for 8, the writing was on the wall.
What made it more impressive? Joy was the only centurion in the innings. The rest of the batting order chipped in—no one else passed 50—but the foundation was his. And when Ireland came back to bat again, they were never in it. They managed 254 in their second innings, with Andy McBrine’s gritty 52 offering the only real fight. The bowlers had their say, too. Hasan Murad, making his Test debut, ripped through the Irish top order with 4 for 60 in 14 overs. His accuracy, subtle movement, and late swing had Ireland’s batters looking like they were playing in slow motion.
Debutants and Doubts
The match also marked the Test debuts of three players: Hasan Murad for Bangladesh, and for Ireland, wicketkeeper-batter Cade Carmichael and all-rounder Jordan Neill. Carmichael, 22, showed promise with the gloves but struggled with the bat, scoring 12 and 7. Neill, a left-arm seamer, bowled 18 overs for 78 runs but didn’t find the breakthrough. Contrast that with Murad—whose debut figures of 4 for 60 were the best by a Bangladeshi bowler on Test debut since Taijul Islam in 2014.
For Ireland, the tour has been a reality check. They’ve won just one Test in the last six years. Their last Test win came against Zimbabwe in 2023. This match exposed the gap between a developing Test nation and one with growing depth. The Irish team looked out of sync—fielding lapses, poor shot selection, and an inability to handle spin on a turning pitch. And while their captain, Andy McBrine, tried to rally the troops, the scoreboard told a different story.
Historical Dominance and the Bigger Picture
Before this match, Bangladesh and Ireland had never played a Test against each other. Now, Bangladesh leads 1-0. In ODIs, they’ve won 11 of 16. In T20Is, it’s 5-2 in Bangladesh’s favor. This isn’t a fluke. It’s a pattern. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has spent years investing in domestic infrastructure, academy systems, and coaching. The result? A team that now consistently beats higher-ranked sides in Asia and beyond.
Cricket Ireland, meanwhile, has been navigating a tough transition. After losing their Test status in 2017 and regaining it in 2018, they’ve struggled to build consistency. Their request to reduce the 2025 tour from two Tests to one was seen by many as a tactical move to preserve resources. But the BCB stood firm—keeping two Tests, swapping ODIs for T20Is. Smart move. It gave Ireland a chance to compete in a format they’re more comfortable with, while Bangladesh got the Test exposure they need for the ICC World Test Championship 2025-2027.
What’s Next: Dhaka and Beyond
The second Test starts November 18 in Dhaka, where the pitch usually offers more assistance to spinners. Bangladesh’s off-spinner Mashrafe Mortaza (retired) once said, "Dhaka doesn’t give you runs—it takes them away." That’s the challenge Ireland faces now. Can they adapt? Can they score a century as a team? Or will Bangladesh sweep the series and send a message to the ICC: we’re no longer just an associate nation—we’re a force?
The three T20Is, all in Dhaka at 2:00 PM BST, will follow the Test. Those matches will be a chance for Ireland’s young players—like Carmichael and Neill—to gain confidence. But for Bangladesh, it’s about finishing the job. A series win here would be their fourth straight against Ireland across formats. And it would further solidify their place in the top 10 of the Test rankings.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about two teams playing cricket. It’s about the evolution of global cricket. Bangladesh is no longer a team you can underestimate. Ireland is trying to rebuild. And the ICC’s structure—where Test status is tied to ranking and funding—is putting pressure on smaller nations to perform or risk being left behind.
For Bangladesh fans, this was a day to celebrate. For Irish supporters, it was a sobering reminder of how far they still have to go. But in the end, cricket isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about growth. And on this evidence, Bangladesh is growing faster than ever.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s 171 impact Bangladesh’s Test prospects?
Joy’s 171 wasn’t just his maiden Test century—it was the first 150+ score by a Bangladeshi batter since 2022. It gave Bangladesh a commanding 301-run lead, effectively ending Ireland’s chances before the second innings even began. His calm, disciplined approach under pressure signals a new generation of Bangladeshi batsmen capable of anchoring long innings, a trait previously missing from their lineup.
Why did Cricket Ireland agree to keep two Tests despite requesting a reduction?
Cricket Ireland initially wanted to reduce the series to one Test to focus on T20Is, which offer better exposure and revenue. But the Bangladesh Cricket Board insisted on two Tests to maximize ICC World Test Championship points. Ireland relented after securing three T20Is instead of three ODIs, which better suited their squad’s strengths and player development goals.
What does this result mean for Bangladesh’s ICC World Test Championship ranking?
Bangladesh earned 30 points for the win, moving them closer to the top 8 in the 2025-2027 cycle. A series sweep would give them 60 points, putting them in contention for direct qualification to the WTC Final. With only 12 Test matches scheduled for them in this cycle, every win counts—and this was their most decisive yet.
How did Hasan Murad’s debut compare to other Bangladeshi bowlers?
Murad’s 4 for 60 is the best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi on Test debut since Taijul Islam’s 5 for 75 in 2014. He joined a short list of debutants—like Mashrafe Mortaza and Taskin Ahmed—who made immediate impact. His ability to swing the ball both ways on a slow pitch suggests he could become Bangladesh’s frontline seamer in the next two years, especially with Taskin’s injury history.
Has Ireland ever won a Test match against Bangladesh?
No. This was the first-ever Test match between the two nations, and Bangladesh won it by an innings and 47 runs. Ireland has never beaten Bangladesh in any format since their first ODI meeting in 2006. In ODIs, Bangladesh has won 11 of 16, and in T20Is, 5 of 8. Their only wins came in 2015 and 2019, both in Ireland, but they’ve yet to win a single game on Bangladeshi soil.
What’s the schedule for the remainder of Ireland’s 2025-26 tour of Bangladesh?
The second Test begins November 18 at Sher-e-Bangla Stadium in Dhaka, with play starting at 9:30 AM BST each day through November 23. The three T20Is will follow, all in Dhaka at 2:00 PM BST, though exact dates are yet to be confirmed by the BCB. The final T20I is expected to be played on November 27 or 28, wrapping up the tour before Ireland returns home.