Bangladesh Crush Ireland by Innings and 47 Runs in Sylhet Test, Extend Dominance

When Bangladesh Cricket Board scheduled the first Test of the 2025 home series against Ireland, few expected a performance this brutal — but Mahmudul Hasan Joy had other plans. From November 11 to 15, 2025, at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Bangladesh didn’t just beat Ireland — they dismantled them by an innings and 47 runs, extending their unbroken Test dominance over the Irish. The match, part of the Dutch-Bangla Bank Bangladesh Ireland Test Series 2025, saw Bangladesh declare at a staggering 587/8d in 141 overs, while Ireland collapsed twice for 286 and 254. It wasn’t just a win. It was a statement.

A Batting Masterclass in Sylhet

It began with Najmul Hossain Shanto winning the toss and choosing to bat — a decision that looked routine until the scoreboard began to scream. Mahmudul Hasan Joy didn’t just score his maiden Test century; he smashed his career-best 171 off 286 balls, his innings laced with 21 boundaries and a single six. He wasn’t alone. Mominul Haque added an unyielding 80 not out, and Shadman Islam chipped in with 80, giving Bangladesh a 338/1 lead by the end of day two. The pitch, slow and low, turned into a batter’s paradise — and Ireland’s bowlers, already under pressure, looked lost.

Even the extras told the story: 34 wides and no-balls, a sign of nerves. Matthew Humphreys, Ireland’s most consistent bowler, took just one wicket in 23 overs for 78 runs. Meanwhile, Mehidy Hasan Miraz spun magic in the first innings, claiming 3 for 50 in 23 overs. By the time Bangladesh declared, the Irish had already surrendered any hope of a competitive game.

Debutants and Declines

The match also marked the Test debuts of three players: Hasan Murad for Bangladesh, and Cade Carmichael and Jordan Neill for Ireland. Neill, in particular, was thrust into the spotlight after Ross Adair was ruled out of the upcoming T20I series with a bone stress injury in his knee — a blow that forced Ireland to reshuffle their plans just days before the Test.

But the real star was Hasan Murad. In Ireland’s second innings, the 21-year-old paceman ripped through the middle order, claiming 4 for 60 in just 14 overs. His first wicket — a sharp outswinger that caught Andy McBrine plumb in front — triggered a collapse. McBrine’s 52 was Ireland’s only resistance, and even that came at a crawl: 106 balls for a half-century. The commentary team kept repeating: "It’s going to be intriguing cricket here." By day four, it wasn’t intriguing anymore. It was over.

Historical Weight and Captaincy Shifts

This wasn’t Bangladesh’s first win over Ireland in Test cricket — it was their second. The first came in April 2023 in Dhaka, where Ireland’s wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker made history with a century on debut. But since then, Bangladesh have been relentless. In 16 ODIs, they’ve won 11. In eight T20Is, five victories. This Test win makes it 2-0 in Tests — and counting.

Meanwhile, Najmul Hossain Shanto was reinstated as Test captain until the end of the World Test Championship cycle, having stepped down in June 2025 after a rocky run. His return wasn’t just symbolic — it was strategic. He led Bangladesh in 14 Tests before, and this performance proved his leadership still commands respect. The appointment of Mohammad Ashraful as batting coach ahead of the series also paid dividends. Joy’s return to the squad — his only inclusion since the Sri Lanka tour — was the final piece.

What’s Next? T20s, Dhaka, and a Changing Landscape

The second Test begins November 19 in Dhaka, with play again starting at 9:30 AM Bangladesh time. But the bigger story lies beyond the Test. A three-match T20I series follows, with the first two games in Chattogram at 6:00 PM local time, and the finale in Dhaka at 2:00 PM. Ireland’s squad will be reshaped again — Neill is now locked in for the T20Is, and the pressure on their batting order will intensify.

For Bangladesh, this win isn’t just about beating a minnow. It’s about proving they can dominate for five days — something they’ve struggled to do consistently against top-eight sides. The crowd in Sylhet, packed with schoolchildren and local fans, didn’t just watch history. They helped make it.

Why This Matters

This result sends a clear message: Bangladesh’s Test revival isn’t a fluke. With a balanced attack led by Miraz and Murad, and a top order now firing with Joy, Mominul, and Shanto, they’re building something sustainable. Ireland, meanwhile, are stuck in transition. Their batting lacks depth. Their spinners can’t contain. And their leadership — still without a permanent captain — is in flux.

For cricket fans outside the subcontinent, this might look like another lopsided result. But for those who follow the game closely, this was a turning point. Bangladesh aren’t just winning — they’re learning how to crush teams with patience, precision, and power.