When Bangladesh declared their first innings closed at 476 all out on day two of the second Test against Ireland, the crowd at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, didn’t just cheer—they roared. It wasn’t just a big score; it was a statement. On November 19, 2025, Bangladesh dismantled Ireland’s bowling attack with a blend of patience, precision, and power, turning what many expected to be a tight contest into a masterclass in home advantage. The innings, spanning 141.1 overs, wasn’t just about numbers—it was about resilience, redemption, and the quiet dominance of a team that’s no longer content to be the underdog.
Building the Foundation: A Patient Start
Bangladesh didn’t explode out of the blocks. They built. The opening pair of Shadman Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy took 13.2 overs to reach 50, a slow burn that set the tone. Islam’s 35 off 42 balls was punctuated by crisp drives, but his lbw dismissal to Andy McBrine at 13.4 overs was the first real scare. Drinks were called at 52/1, the scoreboard calm but the pressure rising. The next 15 overs saw wickets tumble—Joy, then captain Najmul Hossain Shanto—and suddenly Bangladesh were 95/3. It looked like Ireland might claw back. But here’s the twist: they didn’t.The Century Builders: Rahim and Haque Hold the Line
Enter Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim. The former, playing his 58th Test, carried the weight of expectation like a veteran should. He reached his 23rd Test fifty in 93 balls—unfussy, disciplined, with four elegant boundaries. He was dropped on 49 by Paul Stirling, a moment that could’ve changed everything. It didn’t. Meanwhile, Rahim, 36 and playing his 109th Test, was quietly historic. His 100 came in 195 balls, his 12th Test century, and it felt like a quiet rebellion against time. He and Mominul added 118 balls for their 50-run stand, grinding Ireland’s attack into dust. By tea on day one, Bangladesh were 192/3. By stumps, 292/4. The innings had teeth.Das Ignites the Fire: From Fifty to Century
The real fireworks came on day two. Litton Das, the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman, arrived at the crease with Bangladesh at 292/4. What followed was a whirlwind of timing and aggression. He reached his 19th Test fifty in 88 balls, then his fourth Test century in 158—his seventh boundary a six over midwicket that sent the stands into a frenzy. His innings was the spark Bangladesh needed after a slow burn. He fell lbw to Gavin Hoey after a successful Ireland review at 122.6 overs, but by then, the damage was done. He’d scored 100, and Bangladesh were 400/5.
How Ireland Fought—And Why It Wasn’t Enough
Ireland’s bowlers didn’t quit. Matthew Humphreys bowled 36 overs—nearly six full sessions—for just one wicket and 117 runs. His economy rate of 3.25 was respectable, but in Test cricket, that’s not enough. Gavin Hoey was the most economical—13 overs, 29 runs, one maiden—but couldn’t break partnerships. Harry Tector offered brief resistance, but his 3 overs for 10 runs were a drop in the ocean. The truth? Ireland’s attack lacked the penetration to trouble a well-set Bangladesh top order on a flat pitch. They bowled well, but not well enough.Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreboard
This wasn’t just about winning a Test. It was about Bangladesh asserting themselves as a force in home conditions. In the last five Tests played at Mirpur, Bangladesh have won four. This innings was their most complete since 2022. For Ireland, it’s another sobering lesson: they can compete, but they’re not yet ready to dominate. The 2025 tour was always going to be a test of their growth. Now, trailing by 476 runs, they face a mountain. And if they collapse again, this series could end in a whitewash.
What Comes Next: Ireland’s Survival Mission
Ireland now begins its first innings with the unenviable task of surviving 100 overs just to avoid the follow-on. Their top order—Andy Balbirnie, Paul Stirling, and Stephen Doheny—must show discipline they haven’t mustered yet. If they do, the match might stretch to day five. If not, Bangladesh could enforce the follow-on and win inside four days. Either way, the momentum is all theirs.Key Stats That Define the Day
- 476—Bangladesh’s highest Test total against Ireland
- 12th Test century for Mushfiqur Rahim—tied for most by a Bangladeshi batsman
- 23rd Test fifty for Mominul Haque—most by any Bangladeshi batter
- 36 overs bowled by Matthew Humphreys—the most by any Irish bowler in a single innings this series
- 141.1 overs—Bangladesh’s longest innings since 2021
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this score compare to Bangladesh’s previous totals against Ireland?
Bangladesh’s 476 is their highest Test score against Ireland, surpassing their previous best of 378 in 2023. It’s also the first time Bangladesh has crossed 450 against them in any format. This innings marks a turning point in their dominance at home, where they’ve averaged 387 runs per innings in the last five Tests.
Why did Ireland struggle so much with the ball?
Ireland’s attack lacked pace and variation. With no bowler exceeding 70 mph consistently, Bangladesh’s batsmen were able to dominate the spinners and attack the short balls. Their field placements were predictable, and their spinners—McBrine and Hoey—were too predictable in line. Against a side like Bangladesh, which thrives on patience, that’s fatal.
What’s the significance of Mominul Haque’s 23rd Test fifty?
Mominul Haque now holds the record for most Test fifties by a Bangladeshi batter, surpassing Mushfiqur Rahim’s 22. It underscores his role as the backbone of Bangladesh’s batting lineup. Unlike flashier players, he’s the one who anchors innings under pressure—his consistency has made him the most reliable opener in the team’s history.
Could Ireland still save this match?
It’s unlikely. To avoid the follow-on, Ireland needs to bat 277 overs without losing 10 wickets. Even if they survive the first session, Bangladesh’s spin trio—Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam—are lethal on this pitch. Historically, teams chasing follow-on targets of 400+ at Mirpur have lost 9 of the last 10 times. The odds are heavily stacked.
How has Litton Das’s performance changed Bangladesh’s approach?
Das’s century signaled a shift: Bangladesh no longer just grind—they can explode. His ability to accelerate after a solid foundation gives the team a new dimension. Before, they relied on Rahim and Mominul to carry the load. Now, with Das hitting 100 in 158 balls, they have a finisher who can turn a big score into a crushing one.
What’s at stake in the next Test?
If Bangladesh wins this match, they’ll win the two-Test series 2-0—the first time they’ve swept Ireland at home. That would be a historic achievement, reinforcing their status as a top-tier Test nation. For Ireland, it would be their 12th consecutive Test loss away from home, extending their winless streak abroad since 2021.
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