Bangladesh vs Ireland 2nd Test 2025 Match Preview

Date: Wednesday, 19th November 2025
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur
Start Time: 03:30 GMT | 09:30 AM Local

Match Background

The second and final Test of the Ireland tour of Bangladesh will be a historic occasion as Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and his men aim to complete a series victory after their emphatic 171-run win in the first Test in Sylhet. Ireland, on the other hand, will look to produce a fighting performance and make it a memorable occasion for their fans. The match will also be a special one for Mushfiqur Rahim, who is set to make his 100th Test appearance, a landmark that has drawn praise from both his coach Phil Simmons and the cricketing world.

Current Form

Bangladesh has been in a consistent run in Test cricket over the past year, with a balanced squad capable of competing on different surfaces. The team has shown strong batting depth, with Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudul Hasan Joy forming a solid middle order. In the bowling department, Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz have been instrumental, with the latter also contributing with the bat.

Ireland, despite losing the first Test in Sylhet, remains a competitive side in Test cricket. Their ability to adapt to conditions and their balanced attack—led by Andy McBrine, Matthew Humphreys, and Barry McCarthy—gives them a fighting chance. With players like Paul Stirling and Lorcan Tucker in the top order, Ireland can put up a formidable first innings total.

Players to Watch

Bangladesh:

• Mushfiqur Rahim (WK): The veteran wicketkeeper-batsman is set to make his 100th Test appearance. With 2836 runs at an average of 39.4, Rahim brings invaluable experience and composure to the side.
• Mehidy Hasan Miraz: A world-class all-rounder, Miraz has taken 14 wickets in previous encounters against Ireland and has also contributed significantly with the bat.
• Taijul Islam: A consistent spinner, Taijul has been a menace to opposition batsmen, averaging 22.14 in his last two games against Ireland.

Ireland:

• Lorcan Tucker (WK): The experienced wicketkeeper-batsman has been a reliable performer in both formats. With a strike rate of 58.4 in his debut innings, he can be a key player for Ireland.
• Andy McBrine: A dual threat with both bat and ball, McBrine averages 45.6 with the ball and has scored over 560 runs in Tests.
• Matthew Humphreys: A rising fast bowler, Humphreys has taken 13 wickets in five innings at an average of 27.1.

Venue Insights: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur

The Mirpur pitch traditionally offers assistance to bowlers in the first innings, with an average score of 271.11 in the first innings and 307.33 in the second. The team batting second has won 66.7% of the matches played at this venue, suggesting that the toss could be a crucial factor.

The wickets have usually broken up in the later stages, with a significant drop in scoring rates in the fourth innings. Bowlers, especially spinners, have enjoyed an average of 28.80 and an economy rate of 3.13, making it a challenging surface for the opposition.

Head-to-Head

In their previous two Tests, Bangladesh has dominated Ireland, winning the first match by an innings and 47 runs and the second by seven wickets. This gives Bangladesh a significant psychological edge heading into the final Test.

Squads

Bangladesh Test Squad:
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 Test Squad:
Andrew Balbirnie (C), Lorcan Tucker (WK), Paul Stirling, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Tim Murphy, Andrew Poynter

Match Prediction

The second Test promises to be a high-stakes contest, with Bangladesh looking to wrap up the series and Ireland aiming to make a statement. The key will be how the teams adapt to the Mirpur surface and whether Bangladesh can maintain the momentum from their first Test victory.

Prediction: Bangladesh to win by a margin of 70-100 runs, but Ireland will give a strong fight, especially if they manage to post a challenging first-innings total.

Special Moment

This Test will also serve as a celebration of Mushfiqur Rahim’s 100th Test, a milestone that underscores his importance to Bangladeshi cricket. With free entry for students and teachers announced by the BCB, the stadium is expected to be packed with fans eager to witness history.

Stay tuned for live updates and in-depth analysis as the final Test of the series unfolds in Mirpur.
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