Mirpur witnesses a rare five-day Test as Bangladesh clinch a commanding victory

Mirpur’s Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium is typically known for Test matches ending inside three days—four, at best. Seeing a full five-day contest here is a rarity. After almost two and a half years, that rare sight returned in the second Test against Ireland. On a surface usually regarded as a paradise for spinners, bowlers had to work hard for every wicket this time, batters found runs on offer, and the match stretched deep into the final session of day five. Bangladesh eventually sealed a dominant 217-run victory after an intense battle.

Ireland resumed the final morning on 176 for 6, and many expected a swift finish. But the visitors defied those predictions. Young left-arm spinner Hasan Murad delivered a crucial spell, taking two wickets in two balls, yet Ireland fought on for 60 overs. Their innings finally ended at 291, with Curtis Campher standing tall with an unbeaten 71—symbolising their resistance.

At the post-match press conference, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto praised Ireland’s determination. He emphasised that no opponent should ever be underestimated.

In his words:
“This is the beauty of Test cricket, I think… there’s no such thing as a small or big team. They played very good cricket, we have to admit that. And on a fifth-day wicket like this, the way they challenged us or put up a fight, we certainly have to give them credit.”

Shanto also lauded his own bowlers for their patience and discipline. Maintaining consistent line and length over long spells, especially the spinners, was key to wearing down the Irish batting.

He said:
“But at the same time, I would say our bowlers also deserve credit for the patience they showed. Especially Taijul, Miraz, Murad, Khaled and Ebadot—everyone bowled with great responsibility, and that deserves recognition.”

Mirpur is traditionally known for sharp turn from day one, but this time the pitch behaved differently. It offered comfort to batters and demanded hard work from bowlers. Ireland’s batsmen rose to the challenge and produced a spirited fight. Shanto admitted he initially thought the match would end much earlier.

Sharing his feelings, he said:
“It feels good. It really does. We didn’t expect it—honestly, none of us did. But the match went into day five. We had to work hard to take ten wickets in this innings. This is the true beauty of Test cricket, and all of us, every single player, really enjoyed this Test match.”