When Mushfiqur Rahim walked off the field on 99 not out, the roar from the packed stands at Shere Bangla National Stadium wasn’t just for a near-century — it was for the quiet dominance of a veteran who refused to let his team falter. Bangladesh had just wrapped up their first innings at 476 all out on day two of the second Test against Ireland, and the visitors were already staring down a 378-run deficit after being bowled out for just 98 in their first innings. The match, part of the Ireland in Bangladesh, 2 Test Series, 2025Mirpur, Dhaka, is now firmly in Bangladesh’s control — and the Irish are scrambling to avoid a follow-on and a potential whitewash.
From Fragility to Firepower
Bangladesh’s innings began with the kind of nervous starts that have haunted them in the past. Shadman Islam fell for 35 in the 13th over after a controversial LBW decision was overturned by DRS — a moment that sparked early tension. Then came the collapse: three wickets for 43 runs, leaving Bangladesh at 95 for 3 by the 28th over. It looked like another familiar story — early promise, then implosion. But then came the spine. Mominul Haque, the quiet anchor, steadied things with 47 not out, and partnered with Mushfiqur Rahim in a 61-run stand that turned the tide. By lunch, Bangladesh were 100 for 3. By tea, they were 355 for 5. And then, Litton Das arrived. Litton Das didn’t just score a century — he announced himself on the global Test stage again. His 100 off 158 balls, with seven fours and two sixes, was a masterclass in controlled aggression. He took on Matthew Humphreys, the Irish seamer who bowled 36 overs for just one wicket and 117 runs, and punished the loose deliveries. His partnership with Mushfiqur added 112 runs — the kind of stand that breaks backlines. And then, Mushfiqur. At 37, with 120 Tests behind him, he played like a man with nothing left to prove — and everything to protect. He faced 72 balls for his 99, leaving just one run short of a deserved hundred. The crowd chanted his name. His teammates hugged him at the crease. He didn’t need the hundred to validate his legacy — but he wanted it anyway.Ireland’s Batting Nightmare
When Ireland stepped onto the field, expectations were low — but not this low. Their top order, once seen as a surprise strength on tour, crumbled like dry clay. The first five wickets fell for just 98 runs in 38 overs. No batter reached 20. The highest score? 28 from Paul Stirling, who was bowled by Najmul Hossain Shanto’s sharp off-spin. The Irish captain, unnamed in reports, looked shell-shocked. Cricket Ireland’s strategy — to bat through the day, soak up pressure, and rebuild — evaporated in the Dhaka heat. The pitch, slow and low, offered little bounce but plenty of turn. And Bangladesh’s spinners, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz (1/48 in 19 overs) and Shanto (1/12 in 12 overs), exploited it ruthlessly. Ireland’s run rate of 2.58 was the slowest of any innings in Test cricket this year. The DRS drama added to the chaos. Ireland used their first review to challenge Shadman Islam’s LBW — and lost. Bangladesh, meanwhile, used theirs brilliantly when Litton Das successfully overturned an LBW call at 122.6 overs. The Irish had three reviews at the start — they had none left by tea.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about one match. It’s about Bangladesh’s evolution. Since 2017, they’ve won just two Tests against Test-playing nations outside Asia. But this innings — disciplined, patient, and powered by experience — shows they’re no longer just competitive. They’re dangerous. For Ireland, it’s a harsh lesson. They came to Bangladesh hoping to prove they belong. Instead, they’re being reminded how far they still are. Their last Test win was against Zimbabwe in 2023. This series is their first two-Test tour of Bangladesh since 2018. A loss here would mean two defeats in two Tests — a historic low. The pitch, still offering turn, will only get harder. With four days left, Bangladesh will look to enforce the follow-on — and if they do, Ireland’s chances of survival shrink to near zero.What Comes Next
Ireland must bat out the third day — or risk being asked to follow on. If they do, Bangladesh will likely unleash their pace attack — Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman — to exploit any nervousness. The weather is clear, the crowd is electric, and Bangladesh’s confidence is sky-high. The first Test in Sylhet ended in a draw — but this one feels different. This one feels final.
Behind the Numbers
- Bangladesh’s 476 is their highest total against Ireland in Test cricket. Their previous best was 387 in 2018. - Mushfiqur Rahim’s 99* is his 23rd Test fifty — and his 12th score above 90. - Litton Das’s century was his fourth in Tests — all coming since 2022. - Ireland’s 98 is their lowest total in Bangladesh, and their second-lowest in any Test since 2020. - Matthew Humphreys bowled the most overs (36) by an Irish bowler in a Test innings since 2021 — and still took just one wicket.Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t Mushfiqur Rahim get a hundred?
Mushfiqur Rahim was on 99 not out when Bangladesh declared at 476 for 10, meaning he didn’t reach a century — but it wasn’t due to failure. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto chose to declare to maximize time against Ireland’s fragile batting lineup. Mushfiqur had batted for over two hours, absorbed pressure, and set the tone. His innings was about control, not personal milestones.
How has Bangladesh improved since their last Test series against Ireland?
In 2018, Bangladesh won one Test and drew one against Ireland. This time, their batting depth is far stronger — with Litton Das, Mushfiqur, and Mominul Haque all delivering under pressure. Their spin attack, led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Shanto, is more aggressive and accurate. They’re no longer relying on individual brilliance — they’re playing as a unit.
What are Ireland’s chances of saving the match?
Slim to none unless they bat for 180 overs. To avoid defeat, they’d need to score 575 runs across two innings — and they’ve already shown they can’t handle even 100. Their top order lacks experience in subcontinental conditions, and their tail has no track record of resisting spin. A draw would require a miracle — and perhaps a weather interruption.
Is this series a turning point for Bangladesh cricket?
Absolutely. Winning both Tests would be their first series sweep against a non-Asian Test nation since 2020. It would also be their first series win against Ireland ever. More importantly, it proves they can dominate at home without relying on fast bowlers — a sign they’ve finally mastered the art of spin-heavy Test cricket in Asia.
Who are the key players to watch in the next two days?
For Bangladesh, keep an eye on Mehidy Hasan Miraz — he’s bowling with precision and could break the Irish resistance. For Ireland, Paul Stirling and Graham Kennedy are their only batters with Test experience. If either can survive 80 overs, it’ll be a moral victory. But if they fall early, Ireland’s tour could end with a 2-0 loss.
How does this result affect ICC rankings?
A Bangladesh win would lift them to 7th in the ICC Test rankings, their highest since 2021. Ireland, currently 10th, could drop to 11th — behind Afghanistan — if they lose both Tests. That would trigger internal reviews at Cricket Ireland, possibly leading to changes in selection policy and coaching staff ahead of the 2027 World Test Championship cycle.
