Bangladesh’s spin duo of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and debutant Hasan Murad combined to put the hosts in a commanding position on the opening day of the first Test against Ireland at the Academy Ground of the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
Seasoned off-spinner Mehidy led from the front with figures of 3 for 50, while left-arm spinner Murad impressed on debut, claiming 2 for 47, as Ireland reached 270 for 8 at stumps after electing to bat first. Despite a few dropped catches that allowed Ireland brief moments of resistance, Bangladesh ended the day with momentum firmly on their side.
Stirling, Carmichael Lead Early Resistance
After the early loss of opener Murray Commins, Ireland steadied through a solid 96-run stand between Paul Stirling and debutant Cade Carmichael. Stirling looked in fluent touch, cracking nine boundaries in his 60, seven of them square on the off side, while Carmichael showcased maturity beyond his years, compiling a patient 59 on debut.
However, both benefitted from Bangladesh’s generosity in the field. Stirling was dropped twice — once at slip and again at gully — while Taijul Islam let Carmichael off at short square leg in the early exchanges. Still, their partnership was the backbone of Ireland’s innings before Bangladesh’s bowlers wrested back control in the middle session.
Bangladesh Hit Back Through Spin
Pacer Nahid Rana broke the partnership soon after lunch, finding Stirling’s edge for a smart catch at second slip. From there, spin took over. Mehidy struck immediately, trapping Harry Tector leg-before for just one, while Murad opened his Test account by removing Curtis Campher (44) and then deceived Lorcan Tucker (41) with flight and dip to have him stumped.
Mehidy continued to make inroads, claiming the important wicket of Andy McBrine for five. His control and subtle variations kept the Irish lower order under constant pressure, while Murad’s left-arm spin provided the perfect foil from the other end.
Missed Chances and Late Resistance
Despite Bangladesh’s dominance, the hosts were guilty of several lapses in the field. Najmul Hossain Shanto put down Tucker on 11 late in the second session, one of a handful of missed chances that allowed Ireland to stretch their total beyond 250.
Ireland’s lower order offered late resistance through a 48-run stand between Jordan Neill (30) and Barry McCarthy. But on the final ball of the day, Mehidy struck again to dismiss Neill, ensuring Bangladesh ended the day with the upper hand.
Bowlers Keep Bangladesh Ahead
Reflecting on the day’s play, pacer Hasan Mahmud praised the team’s effort despite the dropped catches.
It’s part of the game. We’ll get more chances and the fielders will be ready for them next time. We’re in a very good position because we bowled with discipline and control.
With the spinners finding turn and bounce on a pitch expected to deteriorate further, Bangladesh will look to wrap up Ireland’s innings early on Day Two before asserting their dominance with the bat.
Brief Scores: Ireland 270/8 in 90 overs (Paul Stirling 60, Cade Carmichael 59, Curtis Campher 44, Lorcan Tucker 41, Jordan Neill 30; Mehidy Hasan Miraz 3-50, Hasan Murad 2-47) vs Bangladesh.
