Mushfiqur Rahim marked his landmark 100th Test with a masterclass in patience and resolve, finishing unbeaten on 99 as Bangladesh seized control on Day 1 of the second Test against Ireland at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
Bangladesh closed the day at 292/4, with Mushfiqur and Litton Das (47)* adding an unbroken 90-run stand that strengthened the hosts’ hold on the match.
Top-Order Platform Sets The Stage
Electing to bat, Bangladesh enjoyed solid contributions from openers Mahmudul Hasan Joy (34) and Shadman Islam (35), who put on 52 for the first wicket. Both fell to spinner Andy McBrine, who used sharp turn and clever variations to dismantle the early resistance.
McBrine trapped Shadman LBW with what was described as a “peach,” and moments later dismissed Joy to put Ireland on top briefly. He struck again when he removed captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (8), becoming the first Irish spinner to take three wickets before lunch in a Test match.
Mominul Steady Amid Stumbles
Former captain Mominul Haque played with composure, scoring a valuable 63 while surviving chances on 23 and 49. Despite his reprieves, he anchored Bangladesh’s rebuild.
It doesn't mean too much because we know he has a habit of reaching milestones like 100, 200. At 90, there is less panic. If it was someone else, I might have panicked, but since it is him, he will get it Inshallah.
Mominul and Mushfiqur added 107 runs for the fourth wicket, lifting the team from 95/3 to 202/4 before Mominul’s luck ran out — a sweep shot ricocheting off bat and boot into Balbirnie’s hands.
Mushfiqur: Nerves Of Steel, Poise Of A Veteran
The day, however, belonged to Mushfiqur Rahim. Though not fluent early on, he played with assurance, absorbing pressure before accelerating with trademark precision. His unbeaten innings embodies his reputation for grit and adaptability — particularly fitting for his 100th Test appearance.
With Litton Das providing a stable partner at the other end, Mushfiqur continued to dominate, guiding Bangladesh to a commanding position and edging closer to a rare milestone: a century in a player’s 100th Test.
Ireland Rue Missed Chances; Mcbrine Shines
While Ireland found breakthroughs through the tireless McBrine, who ended the day with 4/82 in 29 overs, they let themselves down in the field. Three dropped catches and defensive missteps in the final session cost them crucial control.
He was outstanding throughout the day… His control was excellent, and he thoroughly deserved the rewards he got today.
But he acknowledged the fielding lapses: “If we had taken two of the three chances we dropped, things would have been a lot different… It’s a shame we couldn’t convert them, one of them was pretty straightforward.”
Despite McBrine bowling superbly, skipper Andy Balbirnie gave him only five overs in the final session, a decision that may come under scrutiny if Bangladesh stretch their advantage on Day 2.
Brief Scores: Bangladesh 292/4 in 90 overs: Mushfiqur Rahim 99*, Mominul Haque 63, Litton Das 47*; Andy McBrine 4–82.
