Bangladesh Dominate Day 2 of 2nd Test vs Ireland as Mushfiqur Rahim Hits 100th Test Milestone
On Day 2 of the second Test at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh piled on the pressure, posting 292 for 4 in their first innings — a commanding lead of 292 runs over Ireland — while Mushfiqur Rahim etched his name into history with his 100th Test appearance. The match, underway since November 19, 2025, at 9:00 AM BST, is the climax of a series that’s already been defined by Bangladesh’s dominance and Ireland’s gritty resilience.
Historic Moment in Dhaka
Mushfiqur Rahim’s 100th Test is more than a personal milestone — it’s a symbol of Bangladesh’s evolution from underdog to a consistent Test force. He’s the third Bangladeshi to reach this mark, joining Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur’s longtime partner in crime, Mahmudullah. The crowd at the Shere Bangla National Stadium rose to their feet as he walked out for his 100th innings, a moment broadcast live across T Sports, FanCode, and Cricket Ireland’s YouTube channel. Even the Irish players paused to acknowledge it — a rare gesture of respect in the heat of battle.
Meanwhile, Andy McBrine continues to be Ireland’s lone bright spot. His 4 for 82 on Day 1, including the prized wicket of captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, kept Ireland in the game. But with Bangladesh’s top order firing — Tamim Iqbal (67), Litton Das (52), and Najmul’s gritty 41 — Ireland’s bowling attack, already stretched thin after the first Test, is showing cracks.
The First Test Echoes
The first Test in Sylhet ended in a thumping 147-run innings victory for Bangladesh. Ireland, reeling at 51 for 5 in their second innings, looked done. Then came Lorcan Tucker. The 24-year-old debutant wicketkeeper-batter smashed 108 — only the second Test century ever by an Irishman — and became the sixth wicketkeeper in history to score a century on debut. His 72-run stand with Harry Tector and a later 111-run partnership with McBrine gave Ireland a sliver of dignity. But it wasn’t enough. The match was over by tea on Day 4.
That result gave Bangladesh a 1-0 series lead. Now, with only one Test left, the question isn’t whether Bangladesh will win — it’s whether Ireland can avoid another innings defeat.
Global Streaming Access
Cricket fans across the globe aren’t missing a moment. T Sports, based at Plot-371/A, Block-D, Bashundhara R/A in Dhaka, is streaming the match on YouTube and its mobile app — available on both Google Play and the App Store. In India, where cricket is practically a religion, FanCode — claiming over 3 crore users — is the go-to platform, offering real-time stats, player heatmaps, and instant replays. Meanwhile, live.nvplay.com delivers live scores and video highlights through its Competition Centre, while Cricket Ireland’s YouTube channel continues to be the only official source for Irish fans to watch their team live.
The broadcast reach underscores how far Ireland has come since gaining Test status in 2017. Back then, their matches were often buried on obscure channels. Now, they’re streamed to millions.
What Comes Next: The T20I Series
Even if Bangladesh wraps up the Test series with a win, the real story is just beginning. The three-match T20I series kicks off on November 27, 2025, at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium in Chattogram at 6:00 PM BST. The second T20I follows the same day and time, and the finale moves back to Dhaka on an unspecified date, starting at 2:00 PM BST.
For Ireland, these T20Is are a lifeline. Their Test performance has been tough, but in white-ball cricket, they’ve shown they can compete with the best. Tucker’s explosive batting, McBrine’s all-round control, and the pace of Mark Adair could trouble Bangladesh’s often inconsistent finishers. And for Bangladesh? It’s a chance to fine-tune their death bowling before the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Why This Series Matters
This isn’t just another bilateral series. It’s a snapshot of cricket’s changing world. Ireland, a team once dismissed as a minor nation, is now playing Test cricket with increasing confidence. Their 2023 tour of Bangladesh ended in a 2-0 sweep by the hosts. This time? A 1-0 lead, and a fighting second innings in Sylhet. Progress, slow but real.
Bangladesh, meanwhile, is using these series to build depth. Players like Towhid Hridoy and Naeem Hasan are getting valuable experience. Mushfiqur’s 100th Test isn’t just about him — it’s about the system that produced him. The Bangladesh Cricket Board, headquartered in Mirpur, Dhaka, is investing in youth academies and domestic structures. This series is the payoff.
And let’s not forget the numbers: Bangladesh has played 110 Tests since 2000. Ireland? Just 12. Yet here they are, trading blows on the same pitch. That’s progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Mushfiqur Rahim reach his 100th Test, and why is it significant?
Mushfiqur Rahim played his 100th Test during the second match against Ireland in Dhaka on November 19, 2025, becoming only the third Bangladeshi to reach the milestone after Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah. His longevity — spanning over 16 years since his debut in 2005 — reflects his consistency as a wicketkeeper-batter under pressure. He’s also Bangladesh’s highest-scoring wicketkeeper in Test history, with over 5,000 runs.
Who is Andy McBrine, and why is he Ireland’s standout performer?
Andy McBrine, Ireland’s off-spinner and lower-order batter, has been their most reliable player in both Tests. He took 4 for 82 in the second Test and scored 56 in the first Test’s second innings, forming a vital 111-run partnership with Lorcan Tucker. He’s one of only two Irish players with over 1,000 Test runs and 50 wickets — a rare all-rounder in a team still finding its footing.
Can Ireland still win the Test series?
No. With Bangladesh leading 1-0 and only one Test remaining, the series is already decided. But Ireland can still avoid a 2-0 sweep by posting a competitive total in their second innings and forcing Bangladesh to bat again. A draw would be a moral victory — and a sign they’re closing the gap.
Why is Lorcan Tucker’s century so important for Irish cricket?
Tucker’s 108 in Sylhet was only the second Test century ever by an Irish player — and the first by a wicketkeeper on debut. Only five other wicketkeepers in history had done it before. It proved Ireland could produce world-class batters, not just gritty bowlers. His performance gave the team belief and attracted new sponsors, including a major deal with Kookaburra.
Where can I watch the remaining Test and T20I matches?
The final Test will be streamed live on T Sports (YouTube and app), FanCode, NV Play, and Cricket Ireland’s official YouTube channel. The T20I series begins November 27 in Chattogram, with all matches available on the same platforms. For Irish viewers, Cricket Ireland’s channel is the only free, legal option with commentary in English.
How does this series fit into Bangladesh’s cricket development?
Bangladesh’s cricket board has prioritized Test cricket since 2020, scheduling more home series against full members. This tour helps them test new players like Towhid Hridoy and refine their spin attack. With the 2026 T20 World Cup in the Caribbean, they’re using these matches to build depth — and show they can dominate even against emerging Test nations like Ireland.
