Bangladesh didn’t just beat Ireland — they buried them. In a performance that echoed their rise as a Test force, Bangladesh crushed Ireland by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test of the 2025 series at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, wrapping up victory on November 15, 2025. The win wasn’t just about runs; it was a statement. After declaring at 587/8, Bangladesh forced Ireland to follow on and then dismantled their second innings for just 198, leaving the visitors with no answers. At the heart of it all? Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who carved out a masterful 169 not out — his first Test century — to anchor a top-order blitz that left even seasoned observers stunned.
A Batting Masterclass That Changed the Game
Day two belonged to Bangladesh’s batsmen. After losing two early wickets, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam turned the stadium into a theater of control. Joy, calm and precise, faced 283 balls for his 169, hitting 19 fours and two sixes. Shadman Islam added 80 from just 104 deliveries — aggressive, clean, and perfectly timed. At the other end, veteran Mominul Haque remained unbeaten on 80, his 124-ball vigil a masterclass in patience. By stumps, Bangladesh were 338/1 — their highest first-day total in Test cricket since 2021, and arguably their most complete top-order session in any format. ESPNcricinfo called it "one of their most substantial days of top-order batting in any format." And they weren’t exaggerating.Debutants on Both Sides — But Only One Team Thrived
This match saw three Test debutants. For Ireland, fast bowler Ben White Carmichael and allrounder Jordan Neill stepped into the fire. For Bangladesh, pace bowler Hasan Murad made an immediate impact, taking 4 for 84 in Ireland’s first innings — the most by a Bangladeshi debutant since 2018. Yet, while Murad showed promise, Ireland’s attack crumbled under pressure. Harry Tector, their most experienced bowler, bowled 9 overs for just 31 runs — a commendable economy rate of 3.44, but it wasn’t enough. BJ McCarthy and Campher, both struggling with line and length, conceded over 5 runs an over. When you’re bowling to a side that scores 587, even the best economy rates don’t save you.Captaincy, Comebacks, and Context
Najmul Hossain Shanto didn’t just lead Bangladesh — he reasserted himself. After stepping down as captain in June 2025, he was reinstated until the end of the ICC World Test Championship cycle, and this win was his declaration of intent. With former Test stalwart Mohammad Ashraful now as batting coach, the team’s discipline and shot selection improved dramatically. Joy’s return to the squad — the only change from their 1-0 loss in Sri Lanka — proved decisive. Meanwhile, Ireland entered without their key batter Ross Adair, sidelined by injury, and their lineup looked thin. Their previous Test in Bangladesh in 2023 ended in collapse — 51/5 in the second innings — until Lorcan Tucker’s historic 108. This time, Tucker scored 34 and 12. No rescue act this time.
What This Means for the WTC and Future Fixtures
This wasn’t just a win — it was a climb up the ICC World Test Championship standings. Bangladesh now sit just outside the top six, with a realistic shot at qualifying for the 2027 final. Ireland? They remain winless in 12 Test matches since 2018. Their record now reads: 0 wins, 11 losses, and one draw. The numbers don’t lie. The second Test begins November 19 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, with play starting at 9:30 AM local time. If Bangladesh’s batting continues like this, they could seal the series before lunch on day three. The third T20I follows on December 3 — a reminder that this series isn’t just about Tests.A Legacy in the Making
Before this series, Bangladesh and Ireland had played only one Test — back in 2023 in Dhaka. Bangladesh won by 155 runs. Now, they’ve won by an innings. The gap isn’t narrowing — it’s widening. And it’s not just about skill. It’s about belief. Bangladesh’s players now know they can dominate. Ireland’s players? They’re still learning how to compete.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s 169* compare to past Bangladeshi Test centuries?
Joy’s 169* was his maiden Test century and the highest score by a Bangladeshi batter in the 2025 calendar year. It surpassed Tamim Iqbal’s 154 against New Zealand in June and ranks as the 12th century by a Bangladeshi in home conditions since 2020. Only Mominul Haque (201) and Shakib Al Hasan (187) have scored higher in Tests on home soil in the last five years.
Why was Ireland’s bowling so ineffective?
Ireland’s attack lacked variation and pace. Only Campher and Tector bowled over 6 overs, and none of their bowlers had an economy under 3.44. Their fastest bowler, White Carmichael, averaged 82.5 km/h — over 10 km/h slower than Bangladesh’s Hasan Murad. Without a genuine strike bowler, they couldn’t break partnerships, and Bangladesh’s batsmen exploited every loose delivery.
What’s the historical significance of Bangladesh’s 587/8?
It’s Bangladesh’s highest Test total in Sylhet and their third-highest ever in home conditions. Only their 606/6 against Zimbabwe in 2018 and 594/6 against New Zealand in 2022 were higher. It’s also the first time Bangladesh has crossed 550 in a Test since 2022 — a sign of growing depth in their batting lineup, with six players scoring 30+ in the innings.
How did Hasan Murad’s debut compare to other Bangladeshi bowlers?
Murad’s 4/84 was the best bowling figures by a Bangladeshi debutant since Taskin Ahmed’s 5/42 against Zimbabwe in 2018. He became the 14th Bangladeshi to take four or more wickets on debut. His pace and late swing troubled Ireland’s top order, especially in the second innings, where he removed two key batsmen in consecutive overs.
What’s next for Ireland’s Test team?
Ireland’s next Test is against Afghanistan in 2026, but their immediate focus is on the second Test in Dhaka. With Adair injured and no clear replacement, they’ll need to promote Neill or Tucker to No. 3 — a risky move. Their batting depth remains a major concern, and without a consistent top-order performer, their Test future looks uncertain.
Why is this series important for Bangladesh’s World Test Championship hopes?
Bangladesh now has 10.8% of available points in the WTC cycle — up from 7.4% after their Sri Lanka loss. A win in Dhaka would push them above 15%, putting them in the top six and likely securing a spot in the 2027 final. With only five more Tests left in the cycle, this series is their best shot at qualification — and they’re taking it seriously.