Bangladesh began their Mirpur Test against Ireland on 19th November with optimism, only for their promising start to unravel dramatically before lunch. The team’s opening pair, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Saadman Islam, had provided a sense of stability and hope with a half-century stand. Yet, the rhythm of the innings was abruptly broken as three wickets fell in quick succession, leaving Bangladesh reeling at 100 for 3 after just 31 overs.
The opening partnership between Joy and Saadman seemed to signal a solid foundation for the Tigers. Together, they put on 52 runs in just under 14 overs, negotiating Ireland’s early bowlers with relative ease. However, the breakthrough came courtesy of Irish off-spinner Andy McBrine. Saadman, who had faced 44 balls and accumulated 35 runs with six boundaries, was trapped LBW. Although the on-field umpire initially turned down the appeal, the decision was overturned after a successful review by Irish captain Andrew Balbirnie, leaving Bangladesh with their first setback.
Joy, who had been cautious and measured at the crease, appeared to lose his composure. Attempting a big shot against McBrine, he was caught out, making the spinner a double-wicket hero. Joy’s contribution of 34 runs off 86 balls, including two boundaries, could not prevent the second wicket from tumbling at 82 runs.
Following Joy’s departure, captain Nazmul Hossain Shanto came to the crease. The Bangladesh leader briefly lifted spirits by hitting a six, ending the team’s 88-ball boundary drought. However, his innings was cut short immediately, bowled by McBrine for eight runs from 11 balls. With Shanto gone, Bangladesh found themselves in dire straits at 95 for 3.
The responsibility now fell to veteran Mushfiqur Rahim, who was making his 100th Test appearance, alongside Mominul Haque, who had narrowly missed a century in the previous match. At lunch, Mominul was on 17 from 29 balls, while Mushfiqur remained unbeaten on three runs from 18 deliveries. The experienced pair would need to anchor the innings and prevent further damage, as Ireland’s bowlers, particularly McBrine, were in dominant form.
Bangladesh’s early session showcased Ireland’s ability to strike quickly and place pressure on the top order. With three key wickets lost before the break, the Tigers will need a composed middle-order effort to avoid a top-order collapse in the second session. Mushfiqur Rahim’s milestone appearance is now overshadowed by the urgent task of rebuilding, highlighting the challenge Bangladesh faces in navigating the early momentum seized by the visitors.