Bangladesh Seal Dominant Series Win After Breaking Irelands Wall of Resistance in Mirpur

The final morning felt like the beginning of a fresh test. Although Bangladesh’s path to victory was largely clear, the unyielding concentration of Curtis Campher and the stubborn support from Ireland’s lower order made the job unexpectedly difficult. But Hasan Murad arrived with the key to unlock every knot—two wickets in two balls midway through the second session ended Ireland’s prolonged resistance.

Bangladesh wrapped up the second Test with a commanding 217-run victory, completing a clean sweep of the series. Chasing an improbable target of 509, Ireland battled for 113.3 overs but were eventually bowled out for 292. This is now the highest number of overs any visiting team has batted in the fourth innings at Mirpur. Starting from their overnight 176 for 6, Ireland survived for another 59.3 overs on the final day.

Two spinners—Taijul Islam and Hasan Murad—stood at the heart of Bangladesh’s triumph. Taijul claimed 4 for 104 and finished with 8 wickets in the match. Debutant Murad impressed equally, taking 4 for 44, including the match-defining final two wickets. However, the Player of the Match award went to Mushfiqur Rahim for his century and fifty in his 100th Test.

Ireland’s resistance revolved around Curtis Campher. Showing remarkable patience, he remained unbeaten on 71 off 259 balls—now the record for most balls faced by a batter in a fourth innings at Mirpur. In the first session alone, Ireland survived 39 overs while losing just two wickets. Even with an extended lunch session, they showed admirable resilience.

Campher’s partnership with Andy McBrine provided Ireland with early stability. After a 109-ball 26-run contribution, McBrine fell lbw to Taijul, giving the left-arm spinner his 250th Test wicket. Campher then found partners in Jordan Neill and later Gavin Hoey, with both contributing to strong stands. The eighth-wicket partnership added 48 runs off 85 balls, and the long stand with Hoey lasted 191 deliveries—forcing Bangladesh to wait much longer than expected.

The breakthrough finally arrived in dramatic fashion. In the 114th over, Murad trapped Hoey lbw to break the lengthy resistance before bowling Matthew Humphreys the very next ball. With that, Ireland’s fight came to an end, and Bangladesh sealed the series whitewash—their fifth in Test cricket.

A memorable victory in Mirpur, built on spin, patience, and decisive moments.