The Bangladesh Cricket Board opened its 2025-26 home season with a statement win, crushing the Ireland cricket team by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The match, which ended on November 14, 2025, wasn’t just a victory—it was a masterclass in home dominance, with Bangladesh posting 587/8 declared and Ireland collapsing twice under pressure. This wasn’t a fluke. It was the kind of performance that reminds everyone why Test cricket still matters, especially when the underdogs are forced to face the full force of a well-prepared side on their own soil.
How Bangladesh Dominated the First Test
Bangladesh’s first innings was built around Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who carved out a patient 171 off 286 balls, anchoring the innings while others played around him. His knock wasn’t flashy—it was methodical, punishing loose deliveries and rotating strike with precision. The Irish bowlers, led by Matthew Humphreys (5/170), fought hard, but the pitch offered little help to spinners early on, and the Bangladesh top order exploited the conditions ruthlessly.
Ireland’s reply was a textbook case of how not to bat in Test cricket. Their first innings ended at 286, with Paul Stirling (60) the only batter to offer real resistance. The real damage came from Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who picked up 3/50 in 23 overs, exploiting the rough outside off-stump with deadly accuracy. By the time Ireland faced their second innings, the match was already lost. They managed only 254, with Andy McBrine (52) showing grit but no real escape route. Hasan Murad finished with 4/60, sealing the innings victory before lunch on day four.
Second Test Begins in Dhaka—Can Ireland Recover?
The second Test, starting November 19 at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, offered a glimmer of hope for Ireland. Andy McBrine delivered his career-best Test performance, ripping through Bangladesh’s batting with 6/109 in 33.1 overs. His spell was a mix of subtle seam movement and unerring line—something rarely seen from Irish spinners on foreign soil.
Bangladesh still posted 476, thanks largely to Litton Das’s 128, a gritty innings that balanced aggression with survival. But Ireland’s first innings, at 98/5 after 38 overs on day three, suggested they might at least avoid a follow-on. Play continued through November 23, with the match still live—though the odds remain stacked against Ireland.
Why the ODI Cancellation Changed Everything
Originally, this tour was supposed to include three ODIs. But in a surprising move, Cricket Ireland requested the Bangladesh Cricket Board to drop one Test and scrap all ODIs. Why? Because Ireland’s selectors are prioritizing T20I preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup. They believe the shorter format offers more bang for buck in terms of player development and exposure.
It’s a calculated gamble. ODIs are the middle ground—where players learn to build innings, manage resources, and handle pressure over long spells. Without them, Ireland’s top order is being forced to adapt too quickly to T20s. The result? In Sylhet, their batsmen looked unprepared for the pace and bounce of a full Test pitch. The lack of ODI cricket might be costing them in the longer format.
T20I Series Looms—A Chance to Reset
With the Tests in the rearview, Ireland now turns to the three-match T20I series, starting November 27 at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram. The format suits their aggressive style—especially with players like Ross Adair (ruled out due to a bone stress injury) being replaced by Jordan Neill, a hard-hitting all-rounder who can bowl quick medium pace.
Historically, Bangladesh leads the T20I head-to-head 5-2. But Ireland’s last win came in 2023, when they chased down 183 in Dhaka with a blistering 40-ball 70 from Curtis Campher. If Neill and Stirling can replicate that energy, Ireland might just steal a series they’re not supposed to win.
Historical Context: A One-Sided Rivalry
Since their first Test meeting in 2018, Bangladesh has won every single encounter against Ireland—1-0 in Tests, 11-2 in ODIs, and 5-2 in T20Is. Ireland’s only Test win ever came against Scotland. Their ODI victories over Bangladesh? Both came in Ireland, in 2010 and 2012. Since then, they’ve been outclassed on Asian pitches.
What’s telling is how Ireland’s batting has improved since Tucker’s century in Dhaka in 2023—the second ever by an Irishman in Tests. That innings gave the team belief. But belief doesn’t win matches on turning tracks. Execution does. And so far, in this series, Ireland’s execution has been lacking.
What’s Next?
The second Test ends November 23. The T20Is follow on November 27, 29, and December 2. Ireland’s management will be watching two things: whether their spinners can adapt to the Dhaka pitch, and whether their top order can survive more than 10 overs without losing a wicket. If they can’t, the T20I series might be their only chance to salvage pride.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Cricket Board is quietly celebrating a successful season opener. Their fast bowlers are firing. Their spinners are sharp. And their top order? They’re no longer just surviving—they’re dominating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Ireland drop the ODIs from the tour?
Cricket Ireland prioritized T20I preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup, believing shorter-format exposure would better develop their squad. They requested the Bangladesh Cricket Board to reduce the Test series from three to two matches and eliminate all ODIs. While this saves travel costs and focuses resources, critics argue it leaves Ireland’s batsmen underprepared for multi-day conditions, as seen in Sylhet.
Who are the key players for Ireland in this series?
Paul Stirling remains Ireland’s batting anchor, scoring 60 in the first Test and 27 in the second. Andy McBrine delivered a career-best 6/109 in Dhaka, proving he’s their most reliable bowler. Jordan Neill, replacing the injured Ross Adair, brings power-hitting and pace options to the T20I side. Matthew Humphreys’ 5-wicket haul in Sylhet showed promise, but consistency remains an issue.
How does this series affect Ireland’s World Cup chances?
Ireland’s T20I form will be critical for their 2026 World Cup qualification. Losing both Tests hurts morale, but the upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh is a vital benchmark. If they can win at least two of the three matches, it’ll signal they’re closing the gap on top Asian sides. A clean sweep would be a major statement—especially after their last T20I win over Bangladesh in 2023.
What’s the significance of the pitch conditions in Sylhet and Dhaka?
Sylhet’s pitch was flat but offered variable bounce, aiding seamers early and spinners later. Dhaka’s pitch, traditionally more turn-heavy, favors off-spinners like Mehidy Hasan and Hasan Murad. Ireland’s lack of experience on such surfaces showed—only one of their batters has ever scored a Test century in Asia. Without exposure to these conditions, their future tours to the subcontinent will remain uphill battles.
Has Ireland ever won a Test match in Bangladesh?
No. Ireland has never won a Test against Bangladesh, nor have they won a Test match in Asia. Their only Test win ever was against Scotland in 2018. Their best result in Bangladesh was a draw in 2018, when they held on for a draw after being bowled out for 126 in the first innings. Since then, they’ve lost three Tests in Bangladesh by margins of 10 wickets, 219 runs, and now, an innings and 47 runs.
What’s the historical record between Bangladesh and Ireland across formats?
In Tests: Bangladesh 1–0 Ireland. In ODIs: Bangladesh 11–2 Ireland (1 no result). In T20Is: Bangladesh 5–2 Ireland (1 no result). Ireland’s two ODI wins came in 2010 and 2012, both in Dublin. Their two T20I wins came in 2019 (Dublin) and 2023 (Dhaka). Since then, Bangladesh has won every single meeting on home soil across all formats.