Bangladesh Dominates Ireland with 367-Run Lead in 2nd Test at Mirpur

By the time stumps were drawn on day three of the second Test, Bangladesh had Ireland on the ropes — not just in runs, but in morale. Bangladesh piled up 476 in their first innings, then added 156 for 1 in their second, leaving Ireland staring down a 367-run deficit with just one day left. The match, unfolding at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, has become a masterclass in home dominance — and a sobering lesson in the gulf between Test cricket’s established and emerging nations.

A Commanding Foundation

Bangladesh won the toss on November 19, 2025, and did what they’ve learned to do in recent years: bat long, bat smart. Their 476-run first innings wasn’t flashy, but it was relentless. Liton Das, the anchor, carved out 128 off 192 balls — his fourth Test century — with eight fours and four sixes. He wasn’t alone. Shadman Islam’s 35 in 44 balls, Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s gritty 34, and Mehidy Miraz’s 47 off 107 balls stitched together a total that left Ireland’s attack drained before lunch on day two.

The fall of wickets told its own story: 1-52, 2-83, 3-95, 4-202. The middle order held firm. Mushfiqur Rahim and Liton Das added 50 for the fifth wicket — a crucial counterpunch after early losses. Bangladesh reached 400 for 5 in 124.2 overs, the new ball taken at 261 for 4. The innings lasted 141.1 overs. No panic. No collapse. Just steady, professional cricket.

Ireland’s Struggle in the Shadow

Ireland’s reply was never going to be easy. But 265 all out in 88.3 overs felt like surrender. They never looked in control. Their top order, once their strength, crumbled under the pressure of the Shere Bangla National Stadium pitch — a surface that rewarded accuracy over aggression. Only Paul Stirling (38) and George Dockrell (34) offered resistance beyond the basics. The rest? Caught behind, lbw, bowled through the gate. The final wicket fell to Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury, who finished with 3 for 57 — his best bowling in Test cricket.

At 254 for 8, Ireland had a sliver of hope. But the last two wickets fell in 3.3 overs. The bowling attack — led by Mehidy Miraz (3 for 62) and Soumya Sarkar (2 for 41) — was clinical. Even the umpiring was sharp. Richard Illingworth, the veteran English official, oversaw a referral in the 122.6th over where Liton Das was given lbw — a decision upheld after review. It was a small moment, but symbolic: Bangladesh’s dominance was being acknowledged at every level.

Second Innings: A Statement in Progress

When Bangladesh resumed their second innings on day three, they didn’t play for runs — they played for time. At tea, they were 41 for 0. By stumps, 156 for 1. Liton Das, now on 30 not out, and Najmul Hossain Shanto, 124 not out, shared a 156-run stand that felt like a funeral march for Ireland’s chances. No boundaries were rushed. No risks taken. The scoreboard ticked over. The clock ticked down. Ireland’s bowlers looked exhausted. Their fielders looked resigned.

With nine wickets in hand and over 360 runs to play with, Bangladesh are in complete control. A win here isn’t just likely — it’s inevitable. And if they win, they’ll sweep the two-Test series 2-0, a historic result for a team that once struggled to even avoid follow-ons.

What This Means for Bangladesh Cricket

This isn’t just about beating Ireland. It’s about proving Bangladesh can dominate a Test series without relying on spin alone. The batting depth — from top to bottom — is now a weapon. The top five all scored 30+ in the first innings. The lower order, led by Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury’s 18 not out, showed they can contribute. The spinners, once the only threat, are now supported by pace that bites.

And the venue? The Shere Bangla National Stadium has become a fortress. Since 2021, Bangladesh have won 11 of their last 13 Tests here. No team has chased more than 220 in the fourth innings at this ground in the last five years. Ireland knew the odds. They just couldn’t overcome them.

What’s Next?

Play resumes on November 22, 2025, at 09:30 local time. Bangladesh will aim to declare their second innings by lunch, giving themselves four sessions to bowl Ireland out. Even if Ireland survives the day, they’ll need a miracle to avoid the follow-on — and an even bigger one to avoid defeat.

If Bangladesh win, it’ll be their 17th Test series victory overall — and their second in a home series against a Test-playing nation since 2021. For Ireland, it’ll be a third consecutive series loss away from home. The gap isn’t closing. It’s widening.

Background: A Journey from Underdogs to Contenders

Bangladesh’s rise in Test cricket has been slow, but steady. They earned Test status in 2000. For over a decade, they were known for collapses, not comebacks. But since 2018, under coaches like Chandika Hathurusingha and now a more structured system, they’ve transformed. They’ve beaten Australia, England, and South Africa at home. They’ve drawn series in New Zealand and Sri Lanka. This performance against Ireland isn’t an outlier — it’s the culmination of years of planning.

Ireland, meanwhile, remains stuck in a limbo. They’ve played 14 Tests since gaining status in 2017. They’ve won just one — against Afghanistan in 2023. Their batting lacks consistency. Their spin attack is underdeveloped. And their away record? 1 win in 12 Tests since 2020. This match is a mirror: one team growing, the other struggling to keep pace.