Bangladesh Spin Duo Taijul, Mehidy Crush Ireland on Day 1
Bangladesh’s spin maestros Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz dismantled Ireland, bowling them out for 286 on the opening day of the one-off Test at Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium. Despite early resistance, Ireland succumbed to relentless spin pressure on a turning Mirpur track.
Ireland’s Early Promise Collapses Under Spin
Openers Murray Commins (17) and James McCollum (15) cautiously navigated the new ball before Taijul Islam’s left-arm spin broke through. Commins fell LBW to a sharp turner, while Mehidy Hasan removed McCollum via a sharp catch at slip, leaving Ireland at 45/2. Harry Tector (50) and Andy Balbirnie (39) rebuilt with a 68-run stand, but Taijul’s double-strike derailed their progress.
Taijul’s 4-Wicket Haul Puts Bangladesh on Top
Taijul’s guile outfoxed Balbirnie (39) and Tector (50) in quick succession, reducing Ireland to 132/5. Lorcan Tucker (37) and Curtis Campher (34) briefly resisted, but Bangladesh’s spinners stifled scoring. Taijul finished with 4/62, while Mehidy claimed 3/75, exposing Ireland’s frailties against quality spin.
Tailenders Fight Back Before Bangladesh Wrap It Up
Andy McBrine (35) and Mark Adair (32) frustrated Bangladesh with a 58-run eighth-wicket stand, but Nayeem Hasan and Ebadot Hossain mopped up the tail. Ireland’s 286 seemed under par on a deteriorating pitch, handing Bangladesh the early advantage.
Bangladesh Eye Big Lead on Spin-Friendly Pitch
With the pitch expected to worsen, Bangladesh’s batters will aim for a sizable lead. Ireland’s seamers face an uphill task to restrict the hosts. Taijul and Mehidy’s dominance underscored Bangladesh’s spin prowess at home, setting the stage for a potential match-defining Day 2.
