When Bangladesh Cricket Board scheduled a two-match Test series against Ireland in November 2025, few expected it to become a defining moment in Bangladesh’s rise as a Test nation. But by the time the final wicket fell at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, the message was clear: Bangladesh isn’t just competing anymore — they’re dominating. The 2025 Bangladesh vs Ireland Test seriesSylhet ended in a crushing 2-0 sweep, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s maiden 171 in the first Test serving as the emotional anchor of a performance that left Ireland reeling.
First Test: A Statement in Sylhet
The series opener at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium wasn’t just a win — it was a masterclass. Bangladesh, having won the toss and chosen to bat, piled up 587/8 declared in 141 overs. Joy, the 24-year-old opener, stood tall through 286 balls, carving out his first Test century beyond 150 runs — a personal best that sent shockwaves through the domestic circuit. His innings wasn’t flashy; it was relentless. He absorbed pressure, punished loose deliveries, and anchored the middle order when others faltered. Meanwhile, Hasan Murad, making his Test debut, claimed 4/60 in Ireland’s second innings, sealing their collapse to 254 after they’d scraped 286 in reply. Ireland’s bowling attack, led by Matthew Humphreys’ 5/170, kept them alive for stretches, but the lack of depth showed. Their top order, except for Paul Stirling’s gritty 60, folded under the weight of spin and disciplined seam. When the final wicket fell, Bangladesh had won by an innings and 47 runs — a result that echoed their 2023 dominance over Ireland, when the visitors were bowled out for 175 in the second innings after trailing by 155.Dhaka: The Second Act of Dominance
The second Test at the Shere Bangla National Stadium was less about drama and more about execution. Bangladesh posted 476 in their first innings, with Litton Das hitting 128 — his third Test half-century of the year. Ireland, again struggling, managed just 265, with wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker’s unbeaten 75 offering the only real resistance. Taijul Islam returned with 4/76, continuing his reputation as Bangladesh’s most consistent left-arm spinner in home conditions. Ireland’s second innings was even more one-sided. They were bowled out for 259, 217 runs short of the target. Hasan Murad added another 3 wickets, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz chipped in with 2/42. The bowlers didn’t just take wickets — they broke spirit. Three Irish players — Cade Carmichael, Jordan Neill, and Tucker — showed glimpses of promise, but the gulf in experience was stark.A Series That Redefined the Rivalry
The head-to-head Test record now reads: Bangladesh 2, Ireland 0. That’s right — despite earlier reports citing only one prior meeting in 2023, the 2025 series makes this the second Test encounter between the sides. The 2023 match in Dublin ended in a 155-run Bangladesh win, meaning this series wasn’t just a sweep — it was a confirmation. Bangladesh has now won 11 of their last 16 ODIs against Ireland and 5 of 8 T20Is. The pattern is unmistakable: as Ireland struggles to build depth, Bangladesh’s home advantage, disciplined spin attack, and emerging batting talent are pulling them into the upper tier of Test cricket. The Bangladesh Cricket Board originally planned three ODIs alongside these Tests, but Cricket Ireland requested a reduction. The final schedule — two Tests and three T20Is — was a compromise that ended up working in Bangladesh’s favor. With the T20I series set to begin November 26 in Chattogram, Bangladesh will look to extend their dominance before the ICC World Test Championship cycle shifts focus.
What This Means for Ireland
Ireland’s journey as a Test nation remains a work in progress. They’ve played just 13 Tests since gaining status in 2017, with only three wins. Their batting collapses — 286, then 265, then 259 — aren’t anomalies. They’re symptoms. The absence of a reliable No. 3, inconsistent seam bowling, and a lack of match-winning all-rounders are glaring. Their captaincy, too, has been reactive rather than strategic. As Andy McBrine, who took 6/109 in Dhaka, admitted post-match: “We’re not far off. But far enough.” For Bangladesh, this series was about more than wins. It was about identity. Joy’s 171 wasn’t just a personal milestone — it was proof that their homegrown talent can carry the team against international opposition. Murad’s debut haul signaled a new generation of all-rounders. And with the T20I series looming, the momentum is undeniable.What’s Next?
The three T20Is in Chattogram start November 26, with matches scheduled for 6pm BST on the first two days and 2pm BST on December 1. The Bangladesh Cricket Board has already confirmed that all three will be broadcast live on BTV and streamed globally via the ICC’s digital platform. If Bangladesh wins the T20I series, they’ll have swept Ireland in all formats — a first in their bilateral history. Meanwhile, Ireland’s next Test assignment is against Zimbabwe in April 2026 — a crucial opportunity to rebuild. Bangladesh, meanwhile, will host Sri Lanka in January 2026, with the Test series serving as a warm-up for the 2027 World Test Championship final qualifiers.
Historical Context: From Underdogs to Powerhouse
Just a decade ago, Bangladesh was still seen as a T20I side with occasional flashes of Test potential. Their 2017 win over England in Chittagong was hailed as an upset. Today, they’ve won 17 of their last 25 home Tests. Their spin trio — Miraz, Taijul, and now Murad — is among the most lethal in the world. Joy’s innings wasn’t an anomaly. It was the next step in a long, quiet evolution. Ireland, meanwhile, still plays its home Tests in Dublin’s Malahide — a picturesque ground with limited capacity and infrastructure. Bangladesh’s stadiums, by contrast, are modern, packed, and electric. The difference isn’t just in the scoreboard. It’s in the ecosystem.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s 171 compare to other Bangladeshi opening centuries?
Joy’s 171 is the highest Test score by a Bangladeshi opener since Tamim Iqbal’s 176 against New Zealand in 2013. It’s only the 12th Test century by a Bangladesh opener and the first to exceed 170 since 2017. His strike rate of 59.8 was remarkably composed, especially on a Sylhet pitch that favored spin. No Bangladeshi opener has scored a 150+ in home conditions since Shakib Al Hasan’s 152 against Sri Lanka in 2021.
Why did Ireland agree to play only two Tests instead of three?
Cricket Ireland requested the reduction due to scheduling constraints and player workload concerns. Their 2025 calendar included a home series against Zimbabwe and a World Test Championship match against Afghanistan. The BCB agreed to drop the third Test but insisted on retaining two, which they saw as vital for their own Test ranking. The compromise allowed both teams to focus on quality over quantity.
Who are the key players to watch in the upcoming T20I series?
For Bangladesh, Joy and Litton Das are expected to open, while Hasan Murad’s all-round ability makes him a wildcard. On the Irish side, Lorcan Tucker’s aggressive batting and Matthew Humphreys’ left-arm pace could be decisive. The battle between Bangladesh’s spinners and Ireland’s middle-order hitters — particularly Andy McBrine and Cade Carmichael — will be critical.
What does this series mean for Bangladesh’s ICC Test rankings?
Bangladesh gained 11 points from the series win, moving them to 8th in the ICC Test rankings — their highest since 2021. They’re now just 3 points behind Sri Lanka and 7 points from Pakistan. With home conditions favoring their spin-heavy attack, and a strong 2026 schedule including Sri Lanka and New Zealand, a top-7 finish is within reach by mid-2026.
Did any records fall during this series?
Yes. Joy’s 171 is the highest individual score by a Bangladeshi in Sylhet. Hasan Murad became the first Bangladesh debutant to take a 4-wicket haul in both innings of a Test series. Ireland’s 259 in the second innings in Dhaka was their lowest total in a Test innings since 2021. The 217-run win margin in the second Test was Bangladesh’s largest against Ireland in any format.
How has Ireland’s Test performance evolved since 2018?
Since gaining Test status in 2017, Ireland has played 13 Tests, winning only three — all against Zimbabwe. Their win rate of 23% is the lowest among full members. Their batting average in Tests is 26.8, compared to Bangladesh’s 34.1. But there’s progress: their 2023 series against Zimbabwe saw them score three 250+ totals, and Tucker’s century in 2023 was their first by a keeper in Tests. Still, consistency remains elusive.
