Bangladesh crushed Ireland by 217 runs in the second Test at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka on November 23, 2025, wrapping up a dominant 2-0 series win. The victory wasn’t just about the margin—it was a statement. After a 5-day grind under relentless sun, Bangladesh’s bowlers finally broke Ireland’s resistance, leaving them all out for 291 in their second innings, chasing an impossible 509. The win capped off a flawless Test campaign for Bangladesh, who’d already won the first match in Sylhet by an innings and 47 runs. And the real story? Taijul Islam became the fastest Bangladeshi ever to reach 250 Test wickets, doing it in just 47 matches. That’s faster than Mashrafe Mortaza. Faster than Shakib Al Hasan. The crowd roared. The record books changed.
A Masterclass in Patience and Precision
Bangladesh didn’t just win—they controlled every phase. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss on Day 1 and chose to bat, a decision that paid off handsomely. Litton Das and Mushfiqur Rahim both notched centuries in the first innings, the latter his 12th in Test cricket. By the time Bangladesh declared at 476, they’d laid the foundation for a win that felt inevitable. The second innings declaration at 297/4 wasn’t about aggression—it was about time. They knew Ireland’s batting lacked depth, and they gave themselves six sessions to dismantle it. And they did.What made this win special? Bangladesh didn’t get lucky. They didn’t rely on Irish collapse alone. Ireland fought. Lorcan Tucker battled for 75 in the first innings. In the second, Curtis Campher batted for over five hours, scoring 71 off 259 balls. He looked like he might steal a draw. But Taijul Islam had other ideas. His 4/76 in the second innings wasn’t just about wickets—it was about pressure. Every over felt like a noose tightening. When he clean-bowled Gavin Hoey with a delivery that jagged back in, the match was over. The stadium erupted. The scoreboard read 291 all out.
Records Broken, Legacies Cemented
Taijul Islam didn’t just take wickets—he rewrote history. His 8 wickets across the two Tests (4 in each) made him Player of the Series. But the real milestone? He reached 250 Test wickets faster than any other Bangladeshi bowler. In 47 Tests. That’s 12 fewer than Shakib. And he did it with consistency, not flash. His average? Under 28. His economy? Under 3.0. He’s the quiet engine behind Bangladesh’s rise. Meanwhile, Mushfiqur Rahim took Player of the Match honors—not for his 100, but because he’s now the only Bangladeshi with 12 Test centuries and over 7,000 runs. At 36, he’s still the backbone.And let’s not forget Litton Das. He crossed 3,000 Test runs during this match. The 24-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, once criticized for inconsistency, is now a pillar. His 100 on Day 1 came off 158 balls—clean, composed, commanding. He’s the future. And now, he’s the present.
Ireland’s Glimmer of Hope
Don’t mistake this for a massacre. Ireland improved. In their first Test in Sylhet, they were bowled out for 254 in the second innings. Here? They made it to 291. They survived 113.3 overs. They had three partnerships of 50+ in the second innings. Andy McBrine took 6 for 109. Curtis Campher batted for 334 minutes. ESPN’s analysis was spot-on: “They were not handed a cakewalk.” This isn’t the same Irish side that got bowled out for 127 in Dubai last year. They’re learning. They’re adapting. But they’re still a generation away from challenging top-eight sides. That’s the gap.What’s Next? T20s in Chattogram
The Test series is done. But the tour isn’t. Three T20Is await, all in Chattogram. The first is set for November 28 at 6:00 PM local time. Bangladesh will rest key bowlers like Taijul Islam and Hasan Murad, but they’ll field a strong side—Najmul Hossain Shanto, Litton Das, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy are all expected to play. Ireland, meanwhile, will look to test their young pace attack. Will Curtis Campher shine in white-ball cricket? Can Gavin Hoey handle the spin? These questions will define their future.
Behind the Numbers: The Real Story
- Bangladesh’s 476 in the first innings was their highest total against Ireland in Tests.- Taijul Islam’s 250 wickets came in 47 Tests—the fastest by any Bangladeshi.
- Mushfiqur Rahim’s 12 Test centuries are the most by any Bangladeshi wicketkeeper.
- Ireland’s 291 in the second innings was their highest score against Bangladesh in Test cricket.
- The match lasted 5 days with zero rain interruptions—a rarity in Dhaka’s November weather.
What’s remarkable isn’t just that Bangladesh won. It’s that they won with discipline. No fireworks. No drama. Just cricket, played with grit. And that’s why this series matters—it’s not about the margin. It’s about momentum.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Taijul Islam become the fastest Bangladeshi to 250 Test wickets?
Taijul Islam reached 250 Test wickets in his 47th match, surpassing Shakib Al Hasan (59 Tests) and Mashrafe Mortaza (61 Tests). He achieved this through remarkable consistency—averaging 27.3 with a strike rate of 58.4. His ability to exploit turning pitches in Dhaka and Sylhet, combined with his control over line and length, allowed him to take wickets even when conditions were flat. He took 4 wickets in each Test of this series, bringing his total to 250 on November 23, 2025.
Why was Mushfiqur Rahim named Player of the Match?
Though Litton Das also scored a century and reached 3,000 Test runs, Mushfiqur Rahim’s 100 in the first innings came at a crucial time—when Bangladesh were 157/3. His calm, experienced knock anchored the innings and set the tone for a 476 total. He also contributed with the gloves, taking three catches and effecting one stumping. His leadership behind the stumps and ability to bat through pressure made him the standout performer in a match full of strong contributions.
What does this series mean for Bangladesh’s Test rankings?
Bangladesh’s 2-0 win over Ireland, combined with their recent series win over Zimbabwe, has pushed them to 7th in the ICC Test rankings—their highest position since 2019. They’re now just 2 points behind Sri Lanka and 4 points from South Africa. With a home season against Pakistan and New Zealand coming in 2026, this momentum could be pivotal in their push for a top-six spot, which would guarantee automatic qualification for the World Test Championship final cycle.
How did Ireland’s performance compare to their previous tours?
Ireland’s 291 in the second innings in Dhaka was their highest score against Bangladesh in Tests and their best performance in Asia since 2023. In their last tour of Sri Lanka, they were bowled out for 127 and 132. Here, they had three 50+ partnerships and lasted over 113 overs in the second innings. While still outclassed, their resilience—especially from Campher and Tucker—signals progress. They’re no longer just minnows; they’re developing a Test identity, even if it’s still fragile.
What’s the significance of Litton Das reaching 3,000 Test runs?
Litton Das became the third Bangladeshi wicketkeeper to reach 3,000 Test runs, after Mushfiqur Rahim and Mohammad Ashraful. At just 24, he’s the youngest to do so for Bangladesh. His average of 38.4 now places him among the top 10 batting averages for Bangladeshi keepers with over 2,000 runs. This milestone cements his role as the long-term successor to Mushfiqur and signals a generational shift in Bangladesh’s batting lineup.
What’s the schedule for the upcoming T20Is between Bangladesh and Ireland?
The three T20Is will be played in Chattogram. The first is on November 28 at 6:00 PM BST, the second on November 30 at 6:00 PM BST, and the third on December 2 at 2:00 PM BST. Bangladesh are expected to rotate their squad, with younger players like Jaker Ali and Hasan Murad likely to feature. Ireland will look to test their power-hitters, especially Curtis Campher and Gavin Hoey, who showed promise in the Test match.
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