Bangladesh’s decision to bat first in the second Test against Ireland began brightly, but a sharp fightback from Ireland’s spinners — led by Andy McBrine — ensured the opening session finished far more balanced than it started. At Lunch on Day 1, Bangladesh stood at 100/3 at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.
Bangladesh start fast against wayward pace attack
Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto won the toss and elected to bat on a dry, fresh wicket. The move initially paid off as Shadman Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy capitalised on Ireland’s inconsistent pace bowling. The new-ball pair struggled for control, often drifting too full or too short, allowing Bangladesh to score freely — 52 runs coming in the first hour alone.
Shadman punished anything outside off, while Joy played a patient supporting role, rotating strike and keeping the scoreboard steady.
McBrine shifts momentum with disciplined spin
With the seamers failing to trouble the batters, Irish captain Andrew Balbirnie quickly turned to spin. The decision changed the complexion of the session entirely.
Andy McBrine, easily Ireland’s most disciplined bowler of the morning, delivered a crucial breakthrough just before the hydration break. His tight stump-to-stump line forced pressure, resulting in Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s dismissal for 34, ending a 74-ball boundary drought for Bangladesh.
McBrine continued to extract subtle grip and turn from the surface and soon removed Najmul Hossain Shanto (8) with a superb delivery that skidded through and uprooted the stumps. Earlier, he had also dismissed Shadman Islam, giving him all three wickets in Bangladesh’s first session.
A Test milestone for Mushfiqur Rahim
Veteran batter Mushfiqur Rahim, featuring in his 100th Test match, walked in to loud applause from the Dhaka crowd. He looked calm and assured during his brief stay before the break, showing solid defence as he moved to 3 off 13 balls.
Ireland claw back after early setback
After a dominant first hour for Bangladesh, the visiting side clawed their way back with smart, patient spin bowling. McBrine and Matthew Humphreys bowled in tandem, delivering maidens, tying down batters, and forcing false strokes through unrelenting accuracy.
Debutant Gavin Hoey was handed the ball just before Lunch and kept things tight in his opening over.
Session Summary
- Bangladesh at Lunch: 100/3 (30 overs)
- Top performer (BAN): Mahmudul Hasan Joy – 34 (86b)
- Top performer (IRE): Andy McBrine – 3/34
- Key Talking Point: Spin ruled the session, shifting momentum after Bangladesh’s quick start.
What’s next?
With the pitch already offering slight turn and variable bounce, Bangladesh will look to rebuild through Mushfiqur Rahim and Mominul Haque in the post-Lunch session. Ireland, meanwhile, will aim to target the middle order early and maintain pressure with their in-form spinners.