Bangladesh vs Ireland 1st Test Preview – November 11, 2025

Match Details

• Date: Tuesday, 11th November 2025
• Venue: Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, Sylhet
• Start Time: 04:00 AM GMT | 09:30 AM IST | 10:00 AM Local

Team Form and Momentum

As one of the most anticipated Test matches of the season, the clash between Bangladesh and Ireland will be highly competitive. Both teams have shown flashes of brilliance in recent Test cricket but will look to make a strong statement at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium.

Bangladesh

Bangladesh have been in a mixed state of form since the start of 2024, with 4 wins in 13 Tests. However, a notable highlight came with a historic win in Pakistan, a result that has boosted the team's morale. Key performers have been Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who has been a revelation as an all-rounder, and Taijul Islam, a wicket-taking machine with a consistent economy. The batters have shown promise, with Mominul Haque and Najmul Hossain Shanto forming a reliable top order.

Ireland

Ireland, on the other hand, have been in relatively better form, having won 3 Tests since the start of 2024. Their balanced approach with the bat and ball has made them a formidable side in Test cricket. Lorcan Tucker has been a standout performer behind the stumps, delivering both with the bat and the ball. Andy McBrine and Matthew Humphreys provide the spin and pace support, respectively, and their ability to take wickets at crucial junctures could be pivotal.

Players to Watch

Bangladesh

• Mehidy Hasan Miraz: The all-rounder has been a linchpin for the Tigers with 772 runs and 46 wickets since 2024. His ability to control the middle overs and contribute crucial runs will be key.
• Taijul Islam: With 45 wickets in 11 Tests since 2024, Taijul is one of the most consistent bowlers in the team. His left-arm spin could trouble the Irish batters, especially on a Sylhet pitch.
• Mushfiqur Rahim: If he plays both Tests against Ireland, Mushfiqur will reach the milestone of 100 Test appearances. His experience and calm demeanor under pressure will be invaluable.

Ireland

• Lorcan Tucker: With 571 runs at an average of 44 in seven Tests, Tucker is Ireland’s most consistent performer. His century against Bangladesh in 2023 showed his potential on this stage.
• Andy McBrine: The off-spinner has been a revelation for Ireland, taking 11 wickets in three Tests and scoring 227 runs. His all-round contribution could be the difference on a spin-friendly pitch.
• Matthew Humphreys: With an average of 22.75 in four innings, Humphreys is a reliable seamer who can exploit any early moisture or movement in the pitch.

Head-to-Head (Last 5 Matches)

• Bangladesh: 1 win
• Ireland: 0 wins

The only previous Test between these two teams was in 2023 at Mirpur, where Bangladesh won by 7 wickets, thanks to a disciplined bowling display and a crucial century from Lorcan Tucker.

Sylhet International Cricket Stadium – 2022–2025 Stats

Sylhet has become a versatile Test venue, with pitches that initially favor bowlers but tend to improve in the third innings. Here's what to expect:

• 1st Innings Average Score: 260.33

• 2nd Innings Average Score: 259.33

• 3rd Innings Average Score: 337.0

• 4th Innings Average Score: 179.0

• Win % when batting first: 66.7%

• Win % when batting second: 33.3%

• Wickets per innings:

  • 1st & 2nd: 10 wickets each
  • 3rd: 10 wickets
  • 4th: 9 wickets

Spin bowlers have generally had the edge, with an average of 25.29 and an economy rate of 3.08, while fast bowlers average 27.38 at 3.46 per over.

Squads

Bangladesh (15)

• 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 (15)

• 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

Match Predictions – Pre-Play

• Toss Winner: Ireland
• Match Winner: Bangladesh
• Top Batter (Runs): Mushfiqur Rahim (Bangladesh), Lorcan Tucker (Ireland)
• Top Bowler (Wickets): 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+

Final Verdict

This Test match promises to be a battle of skill, strategy, and consistency. While Ireland have the momentum and a strong all-rounder in Andy McBrine, Bangladesh have the experience and firepower to outclass them, especially in the middle and final sessions. The spin-friendly Sylhet pitch will play into Bangladesh’s hands, and if Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam can take early wickets, they could go on to secure a convincing victory.

Prediction: Bangladesh by 100+ runs.