Bangladesh wrapped up a commanding victory over Ireland by an innings and 47 runs as their spinners dismantled the visitors for 254 in the second innings at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Friday. Hasan Murad (4-60), Taijul Islam (3-84), and Nahid Rana (2-40) led the demolition, completing a thoroughly dominant performance.
The result came after Bangladesh’s imposing declaration at 587/8, built on Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s superb 171 and skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto’s fighting 100, giving the hosts a 301-run lead.
Shanto Praises All-Round Effort
Captain Shanto hailed his side’s complete performance. “Opening partnership was tremendous. Hope they’ll continue,” he said. “Murad has been waiting for so long… he’s been doing well in first-class cricket. Showed what a quality bowler he is, an exciting bowler. Not like we want a spin wicket, we want a sporting one — all four days the wicket looked pretty good.”
Bangladesh had already reduced Ireland to 86/5 by stumps on day three, leaving little doubt about the result.
Ireland Show Fight but Delay Only the Inevitable
Ireland’s batters displayed more resistance on Friday, led by Andy McBrine’s gritty 52 off 106 balls. Captain Andy Balbirnie (38), Jordan Neill (36), and Barry McCarthy (25) chipped in with valuable contributions, but Bangladesh’s attack kept striking at regular intervals.
Taijul removed overnight batter Matthew Humphreys early, before McBrine and Balbirnie steadied the innings with a 66-run stand. Rana broke the partnership by removing Balbirnie, and Murad trapped McBrine soon after. Neill and McCarthy battled hard before Murad and Taijul closed out the match.
Balbirnie: ‘They Were Better in Every Aspect’
Ireland’s captain accepted that the hosts were simply superior.
Tough cricket for us, they were better in every aspect. Wanted to fight for long periods, showed glimpses of that. We know how good they are in their own conditions. From a skill point of view, we’ve to get there… the more our players are exposed to top-flight international cricket, the better they’ll get.
Brief Scores: Ireland 286 & 254 all out in 70.2 overs (Andy McBrine 52, Paul Stirling 43, Andy Balbirnie 38, Jordan Neill 36; Hasan Murad 4-60, Taijul Islam 3-84, Nahid Rana 2-40) Bangladesh 587/8 decl. Bangladesh won by an innings and 47 runs
