Bangladesh vs Ireland Test Match Preview: Sylhet International Stadium, 11 November 2025

Match Overview

• Date: Tuesday, 11th November 2025
• Venue: Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet
• Start Time: 03:30 AM GMT / 04:00 AM BST / 09:30 AM IST / 10:00 AM Local
• Series: Test Match

Match Preview

The much-anticipated Test series between Bangladesh and Ireland begins at the picturesque Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on 11th November 2025. This is a significant fixture for both teams as they look to make a strong start to their Test campaigns in the second half of 2025. With Sylhet known for its helpful conditions for both batsmen and bowlers, the match promises to be a competitive and exciting encounter.

Bangladesh, having shown mixed results in recent Test series, will be eager to build on their home advantage and capitalize on the form of key players like Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Mominul Haque. Ireland, on the other hand, come into the match with a strong record, having won all three of their Test matches since 2024, and will be looking to continue their winning momentum.

Team Form and Strengths

Bangladesh

Bangladesh has had a challenging run in recent Test cricket, with four wins and nine losses since 2024. However, the home conditions at Sylhet could provide a much-needed boost. The team's batting line-up is led by Mominul Haque and Najmul Hossain Shanto, while Mushfiqur Rahim's potential 100th Test appearance could be a special moment. In the bowling department, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam offer a potent spin threat, with both players having impressive records in recent times.

Ireland

Ireland's recent Test form is commendable, having claimed victories in all three of their matches since 2024. The team has been bolstered by the performances of players like Lorcan Tucker, whose century against Bangladesh in their previous encounter is a major talking point, and Andy McBrine, who has been effective with both bat and ball. Ireland's balanced attack, featuring fast bowlers like Matthew Humphreys and spin options like McBrine, makes them a dangerous opponent on any given day.

Players to Watch

Bangladesh

• Mehidy Hasan Miraz: A dual threat with the bat and ball, Miraz has taken 46 wickets since 2024 at an average of 29.8 and scored over 700 runs in the same period.
• Mushfiqur Rahim: The veteran all-rounder is on the cusp of his 100th Test appearance and has a strong record against Ireland.
• Taijul Islam: The off-spinner is second on Bangladesh’s wicket-taker list in Tests since 2024, with 45 wickets at an average of 31.6.

Ireland

• Lorcan Tucker: The wicketkeeper-batsman has amassed 571 runs in seven Tests and is crucial to Ireland's middle-order batting.
• Andy McBrine: A versatile performer, McBrine has taken 11 wickets at an average of 23.9 and scored 227 runs in five innings.
• Matthew Humphreys: The fast bowler has made an immediate impact in Test cricket with 8 wickets at 22.75.

Head-to-Head Record

In their only Test match so far, Bangladesh emerged victorious, defeating Ireland by 7 wickets at Mirpur in April 2023. This gives the hosts a slight psychological edge, though the Irish side will be keen to put that result behind them and prove their mettle in Sylhet.

Venue Insights – Sylhet International Cricket Stadium

The Sylhet International Stadium is a Test-friendly venue with an average first innings score of 260.33. The pitch has historically favored spin, with spinners averaging 25.29 and taking 10 wickets per innings. Teams batting first have had a 66.7% win rate, suggesting that a strong first innings could be the key to victory.

Squads

Bangladesh (14):

Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Jaker Ali (wk), Litton Das (wk), Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mominul Haque, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud, Hasan Murad, Khaled Ahmed, Nahid Rana

Ireland (14):

Andrew Balbirnie (c), Lorcan Tucker (wk), Cade Carmichael, Stephen Doheny, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Andy McBrine, Paul Stirling, Gavin Hoey, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Liam McCarthy, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Jordan Neill

Predictions

• Toss Winner: Ireland
• Match Winner: Bangladesh
• Top Batters: Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh), Lorcan Tucker (Ireland)
• Top Bowlers: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Bangladesh), Andy McBrine (Ireland)
• Most Sixes: Najmul Hossain Shanto (Bangladesh), Paul Stirling (Ireland)
• Player of the Match: Mehidy Hasan Miraz (Bangladesh)
• Team Scores Batting First:
  • Bangladesh: 350+
  • Ireland: 280+

Note: Predictions are based on current form and venue analysis and may change as the match approaches.

Final Thoughts

This Test match between Bangladesh and Ireland will be a blend of home advantage, experience, and form. Bangladesh will look to exploit the spin-friendly Sylhet pitch, while Ireland will aim to replicate their recent success and make a strong statement in Test cricket. With key players on top of their game and a historic venue setting the stage, this promises to be an exciting and closely contested Test match.
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