Bangladesh delivered a powerful performance against Ireland, securing a comprehensive 155-run victory in the first Test match at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium. The home team dominated across all departments, with standout performances from both batsmen and bowlers shaping the outcome of this historic encounter.
Bangladesh's Commanding First Innings
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Bangladesh posted a formidable total of 369 runs in their first innings. The innings was built around a magnificent century from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who scored 146 runs from 210 deliveries. His masterful innings included 18 boundaries and 2 sixes, demonstrating exceptional technique and temperament against the Irish bowling attack.
Supporting contributions came from Mahmudul Hasan Joy, who added 48 valuable runs, and Shahadat Hossain, whose unbeaten 45 helped push the total beyond 350. For Ireland, pace bowler Mark Adair emerged as the most successful bowler, claiming 4 wickets for 72 runs in his 22 overs.
Ireland's Batting Struggles Continue
Ireland's response with the bat never gained momentum as they were bowled out for 214 runs in their first innings. The visitors struggled against Bangladesh's spin attack, with only Harry Tector showing significant resistance with his 56-run contribution. Irish captain Andrew Balbirnie managed 33 runs, but other top-order batsmen failed to convert starts into substantial scores.
Bangladesh's spin duo of Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz proved particularly destructive, sharing seven wickets between them. Taijul's left-arm spin accounted for 4 wickets while conceding 59 runs, putting immense pressure on the Irish batting lineup throughout the innings.
Final Day Dominance Seals Victory
Setting Ireland a challenging target of 369 runs to win, Bangladesh's bowlers produced an exceptional performance on the final day. The Irish team, requiring a substantial fourth-innings total, collapsed to 213 all out during the afternoon session.
Taijul Islam emerged as the undisputed hero of Bangladesh's victory, claiming 7 wickets for 58 runs in the second innings. His remarkable bowling display included 19 overs of consistent line and length, troubling all Irish batsmen with his variations and turn. This performance marked his ninth five-wicket haul in Test cricket, underscoring his importance to the Bangladesh bowling attack.
For Ireland, Lorcan Tucker provided the only significant resistance with a fighting 72 runs, but lacked support from other batsmen as wickets fell at regular intervals. The Irish lower order offered little resistance against Bangladesh's determined bowling unit.
Historic Significance and Looking Ahead
This victory marks Bangladesh's first Test win against Ireland in their inaugural meeting in the longest format of the game. The comprehensive nature of the win, achieved with more than two sessions to spare on the final day, demonstrates Bangladesh's growing confidence in home conditions.
The match also highlighted the continued struggles of Ireland in Test cricket, particularly against quality spin bowling in subcontinental conditions. Despite showing moments of promise, the visitors were unable to sustain their performance across all five days of the match.
Both teams will now analyze their performances before the second Test, with Bangladesh looking to secure a series whitewash and Ireland aiming to bounce back with improved displays in both batting and bowling departments. The victory provides significant momentum for Bangladesh as they continue to build their Test cricket credentials on home soil.
