Bangladesh didn’t just beat Ireland — they buried them. In a commanding display of batting depth and bowling precision, Bangladesh demolished Ireland by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test of the 2025-26 Ireland tour of Bangladesh, wrapping up the match at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on November 15, 2025. The result wasn’t close. Not even close. After posting 587/8 declared in their only innings, Bangladesh bowled out Ireland for 286 and then 254, turning the four-day contest into a virtual formality by tea on Day 4. For fans who remember Ireland’s gritty 2023 win in Dhaka, this was a brutal reminder of how far Bangladesh has come — and how far Ireland still has to go.
Shanto’s Return, Shanto’s Statement
Najmul Hossain Shanto didn’t just lead Bangladesh back to the captain’s role after stepping down in June 2025 — he announced his return with authority. His direct hit to run out Paul Stirling on Day 3 wasn’t just a fielding gem; it was a signal. The team responded. Shanto, reinstated as captain until the end of the World Test Championship cycle, didn’t need to score heavily — his presence was the catalyst. His leadership, calm under pressure, and tactical nous — including the decision to declare late on Day 3 — turned a strong position into an unassailable one.Batting That Broke the Back of Ireland
The innings wasn’t built on one hero. It was a symphony. Shadman Islam opened with grit, scoring 80 off 104 balls on Day 2, anchoring the innings after early wickets. Then came Mominul Haque, the veteran, with a patient 82 off 132 on Day 3 — the kind of innings that drains the spirit of an opposing attack. When Mushfiqur Rahim and Litton Das added quickfire cameos, Ireland’s bowlers were left gasping. The declaration at 587/8 felt less like a tactical move and more like a statement: we’re not here to play for draws.Bowling That Broke Ireland
If the batting was the hammer, the bowling was the anvil. Hasan Murad was the destroyer, finishing with 4 for 60 on Day 4, including the crucial wicket of Lorcan Tucker — caught brilliantly by Litton Das. Taijul Islam spun his way to 3 for 84, his 22 overs a masterclass in control, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz returned with 3 for 50, his left-arm spin twisting the ball just enough to keep Ireland guessing. Ireland’s top order, once so promising, collapsed under the weight of pressure and precision. Paul Stirling’s 60 was the only real resistance. The rest? They looked like tourists in unfamiliar territory.
Who’s Missing? Who’s Back?
This wasn’t just a win — it was a squad reshuffle in motion. Mahmudul Hasan Joy returned to the Test side after missing the Sri Lanka series, a move that paid off with valuable runs and experience. Meanwhile, Ashraful, the former Bangladesh captain and batting legend, was named batting coach just weeks before the tour — and his fingerprints were all over this performance. The discipline, the shot selection, the patience in the middle — it all felt like a new era. Ireland, by contrast, fielded a squad missing key figures like George Dockrell and Graham Kennedy, and the gulf in experience showed.History Repeats — But With More Dominance
On April 4, 2023, Bangladesh beat Ireland by an innings in the same country. Back then, the win felt like a statement. Now, it feels like a pattern. This was the third consecutive Test victory for Bangladesh over Ireland, and the margin — an innings and 47 runs — was wider than ever. Ireland’s best Test score against Bangladesh? 292, in 2023. This time? They didn’t even hit 300. The numbers don’t lie: Bangladesh now have a 100% win record against Ireland in Test cricket, with three wins in three attempts.
What’s Next?
The second Test in Chattogram starts November 19, and Bangladesh will look to complete a 2-0 sweep before the T20I series begins. For Ireland, the focus shifts to rebuilding — and fast. Their next Test series isn’t until next year against Scotland. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s Test unit is clicking. With Shanto back in charge, Ashraful sharpening the batsmen, and young talents like Shadman Islam and Hasan Murad stepping up, the team looks poised to challenge the top 8 in the World Test Championship standings. The next big test? A home series against South Africa in January.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Bangladesh’s bowling attack differ from their previous Test series?
Unlike the Sri Lanka series, where Bangladesh struggled with inconsistent spin, this match saw Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz dominate with disciplined line and length. Hasan Murad’s pace and accuracy on a wearing pitch added a new dimension. The team bowled 162 overs across two innings — nearly 40 more than in Sri Lanka — and maintained pressure for longer periods, leading to 17 wickets in the final two innings.
Why was Najmul Hossain Shanto reinstated as captain?
Shanto stepped down in June 2025 after a string of poor results, but his leadership during Bangladesh’s 2024 Asia Cup win and calm demeanor under pressure convinced the selectors he was the right man to guide the team through the final phase of the World Test Championship cycle. His direct hit to dismiss Paul Stirling and his strategic declaration in this Test proved his decision-making had improved.
What impact did Ashraful’s appointment as batting coach have?
Ashraful, who retired in 2019, brought a veteran’s eye for technique and mental resilience. His work with Mominul Haque and Shadman Islam focused on reducing loose shots outside off-stump — a weakness exposed in Sri Lanka. The result? Bangladesh’s top four averaged 58.6 in this Test, up from 32.4 in their last series. His presence also restored confidence in the middle order.
How did Ireland’s performance compare to their previous Test against Bangladesh?
In 2023, Ireland managed 292 in their second innings — their highest against Bangladesh. This time, they were bowled out for 254, with no batter scoring more than 60. Their top order, once reliable, collapsed under pressure. Paul Stirling’s 60 was their only half-century, compared to two in 2023. The lack of experience in the lower order — with three bowlers scoring under 30 — exposed their depth issues.
What does this result mean for Bangladesh’s World Test Championship standings?
The win earned Bangladesh 20 points, lifting them to 8th in the WTC table with a win percentage of 48.6%. They now trail only Sri Lanka and West Indies among teams ranked below the top 5. With two more home Tests against South Africa and Zimbabwe before the 2027 cycle ends, this victory gives them breathing room to chase a top-8 spot — and potential qualification for the WTC Final.
Is Ireland likely to improve before their next Test?
Unlikely in the short term. Ireland’s next Test isn’t until 2026 against Scotland, and key players like Andrew Balbirnie and Boyd Rankin are nearing retirement. Without a structured development pathway for their spinners or a consistent top-order anchor, they’ll struggle against stronger sides. Their best hope lies in the ICC’s Emerging Teams program — but for now, they’re outclassed.