Bangladesh produced a masterclass in resilience and batting excellence in their Test encounter with Ireland at Mirpur, crafting an extraordinary series of three consecutive century partnerships in the first innings. What started as a nervy morning soon blossomed into a commanding display, leaving Ireland’s bowlers frustrated and the hosts firmly in control.
Ireland had made an encouraging start, reducing Bangladesh to 95 for 3 before the first session concluded. Onlookers expected a dominant Irish display, but what unfolded was a remarkable turnaround, demonstrating Bangladesh’s growing maturity and depth in the longest format.
The Tigers’ achievement is a rare one. Bangladesh became only the third team in Test history to produce three consecutive century partnerships for the fourth, fifth, and sixth wickets, joining an elite list alongside India in 1979 against the West Indies and Pakistan in 2023 against Sri Lanka. For Bangladesh, it marked the third time in their history they achieved three century stands in a single innings, the previous occasions being in 2013 against Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
After the early setbacks, Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim rebuilt the innings with poise and determination, adding 107 runs for the fourth wicket before Mominul fell for a well-made 63. Mushfiqur then paired with Liton Das to forge another 108-run fifth-wicket stand, during which Mushfiqur reached yet another Test century, cementing his reputation as Bangladesh’s dependable figure under pressure.
Liton Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz continued the momentum with a 123-run sixth-wicket partnership, stretching Bangladesh’s lead and applying relentless pressure on the Irish attack. For Ireland, the remainder of the day became a frustrating exercise in patience, as breakthroughs were few and far between.
This innings showcased Bangladesh’s resilience, maturity, and ability to respond under pressure—a stark contrast to earlier years when early setbacks often led to collapses. The Tigers’ performance at Mirpur will be remembered as a turning point in their Test cricket history, a day when grit, determination, and a focus on partnerships turned the tide in their favour.