Bangladesh spinners fight back after Stirling, Carmichael fifties steady Ireland

Spin duo Mehidy Hasan Miraz (3 for 50) and debutant Hassan Murad (2 for 47) helped Bangladesh restrict Ireland to 270/8 on the opening day of the first Test in Sylhet. Opting to bat, Ireland recovered from an early wobble through a 96-run stand between Paul Stirling and Cade Carmichael, both of whom scored half-centuries, but Bangladesh fought back strongly in the latter part of the day.

Skipper Andrew Balbirnie fell for a duck in the fourth ball of the innings, trapped LBW by Hasan Mahmud. Stirling and Carmichael then steadied the innings with contrasting fifties, surviving three dropped chances along the way.

After lunch, Stirling was dismissed by Nahid Rana, and Mehidy soon removed Harry Tector for 1. Carmichael reached a 110-ball fifty and added 53 with Curtis Campher before departing. Campher then put on another 53-run partnership with Lorcan Tucker, taking Ireland past 200.

Bangladesh's spinners struck back: Murad claimed his maiden international wicket, and Tucker was stumped for 41 after hitting a six. Mehidy picked up his third wicket, dismissing Andy McBrine to leave Ireland at 222/7 after being 203/4.

A 48-run stand between debutant Jordan Neil and Barry McCarthy pushed Ireland past 250, but Neil fell off the final ball of the day.

Brief scores: Ireland 270/8 (Paul Stirling 60, Cade Carmichael 59; Mehidy Hasan Miraz 3-50, Hasan Murad 2-47) vs Bangladesh