Sylhet, November 11,2025: Bangladesh’s spin attack seized control on the opening day of the first Test against Ireland in Sylhet, restricting the visitors to 270 for 8 at stumps after a strong start led by Paul Stirling and debutant Cade Carmichael.
Ireland appeared well-placed at 96 for 1 following a fluent 96-run stand for the second wicket, but a middle-order collapse triggered by Bangladesh’s spinners left them struggling by day’s end.
Stirling, opening for only the second time in his Test career, struck an elegant 60 off 103 balls, featuring nine boundaries — seven of them through the off side. Twenty-two-year-old Carmichael impressed on debut with a composed 59, displaying fine stroke play and maturity.
After the duo’s departure, Curtis Campher (44) and Lorcan Tucker (41) tried to rebuild before both fell to debutant left-arm spinner Hasan Murad, who claimed his first Test wickets.
Murad had Campher caught at slip before deceiving Tucker with flight, resulting in a smart stumping. Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Bangladesh’s most successful bowler of the day, then struck twice in quick succession — trapping Harry Tector (1) lbw and later stumping Andy McBrine (5).
Ireland managed a late recovery through a gritty 48-run eighth-wicket partnership between Jordan Neill and Barry McCarthy. Neill, a 19-year-old debutant, remained impressive with an unbeaten 30 that included three fours and a six before falling to the final delivery of the day.
Bangladesh’s fielding was below par early on, with three dropped catches in the morning session — two reprieves for Stirling and one for Carmichael — but the hosts tightened up as the day progressed.
At stumps, Miraz had 3 for 67, while Murad picked up 2 for 52 on debut. Nahid Rana also chipped in with a key breakthrough after lunch.
Bangladesh will look to wrap up Ireland’s innings quickly on Day 2, while the visitors will aim to cross the 300 mark and put up a competitive total.
