Sylhet: Bangladesh registered a commanding victory over Ireland by an innings and 47 runs in the first Test match of the two-match series in Sylhet. With this win, the hosts take a 1-0 lead in the series. Mahmudul Hasan Joy was the star of the match, scoring a brilliant 171 runs as an opener in Bangladesh’s first innings, earning him the Player of the Match award.

Ireland’s First Innings Collapse

Electing to bat after winning the toss, Ireland managed only 286 runs in their first innings. The team’s start was shaky, with captain Andrew Balbirnie dismissed for a duck. Paul Stirling and Caed Carmichael steadied the innings with a 96-run partnership for the second wicket, scoring 60 and 59 runs respectively. Contributions also came from Curtis Campher (44) and Lauren Tucker (41).

For Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz took 3 wickets, while Hasan Mahmud, Taijul Islam, and Hasan Murad claimed 2 wickets each.

Bangladesh’s Dominant First Innings

In response, Bangladesh piled up 587/8 declared in their first innings. Mahmudul Hasan Joy partnered with Shadman Islam for a 168-run opening stand; Islam contributed 80 runs. Joy then stitched a 173-run second-wicket partnership with Mominul Haque, taking Bangladesh past 300. Joy scored 171 runs off 286 balls, including 4 sixes and 14 fours.

Other notable contributions came from captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (100) and Mominul Haque (82). Ireland’s Matthew Humphreys claimed 5 wickets, while Barry McCarthy took 2.

Ireland Fold Again in Second Innings

With a 301-run lead, Bangladesh put Ireland under immense pressure. The visitors managed only 254 runs in their second innings, with Andy McBrine scoring 52, Paul Stirling 43, and captain Balbirnie 38. The defeat confirmed Bangladesh’s comprehensive victory by an innings and 47 runs.

The second Test will be played in Dhaka from November 19, with Bangladesh aiming for a series clean sweep.