Bangladesh’s spinners produced a disciplined display to peg Ireland on the opening day of the first Test at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, restricting the visitors to 270 for 8 after making a confident start.
Opting to bat first on a dry surface, Ireland were well placed at 150 for 3 shortly after lunch with Paul Stirling (60) and debutant Cade Carmichael (59) laying a solid foundation. But the hosts’ spin trio – Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam and debutant Hasan Murad – gradually took control as the pitch began to offer grip and turn, triggering a steady slide in the final two sessions.
Bangladesh vs Ireland 1st Test Day 1 Highlights
The morning got off to a disastrous start for Ireland when captain Andy Balbirnie was trapped lbw by Hasan Mahmud for a duck in the very first over. However, Stirling’s fluid stroke play and Carmichael’s patience settled the innings. Stirling hit nine sharp boundaries during his 76-ball stay, while Carmichael soaked up 129 deliveries to compile a well-crafted 59. Their 96-run partnership for the second wicket looked set to steer Ireland to a strong total.
The momentum changed once Mehidy Hasan Miraz found his rhythm. The off-spinner first removed Carmichael, then trapped Harry Tector lbw for 1 before returning to dismiss Andy McBrien, stumped by Litton Das. Mehidy ended the day as Bangladesh’s most efficient player with figures of 3 for 50 from 23 overs.
He was nicely complemented by left-arm spinner Hasan Murad, who made his Test debut. He dismissed Curtis Campher (44) and Lorcan Tucker (41) – both well-built batsmen – with a smart flight and sharp turn. His 2 for 47 from 20 overs highlighted his promise at the highest level.
Senior spinner Taijul Islam chipped in with the wicket of Jordan Neill (30) to frustrate Bangladesh in the final over. Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana set the pace, claiming one wicket each.
Barry McCarthy (21*) and the tail using the stumps got Ireland past 250 but Bangladesh would have been the happier side after regaining control with a spin attack. With the surface expected to deteriorate further, the hosts’ decision to field three spinners in the front line already looks justified – setting up an interesting contest over the remaining four days.
Short results after day 1
Ireland: 270/8 in 90 overs. Paul Stirling 60, Cade Carmichael 59; Mehidy Hasan Miraz 3/50, Hasan Murad 2/47
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
November 11, 2025
