Mushfiqur Rahim’s 100th Test Marks Bangladesh’s Dominance Over Ireland in Dhaka
When Mushfiqur Rahim stepped onto the pitch at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on November 19, 2025, he wasn’t just playing another Test match—he was completing a journey that began two decades ago. At 36, Rahim became only the third Bangladeshi to reach 100 Test caps, a milestone that unfolded in quiet drama rather than fireworks. He finished Day 1 on 99*, not because he missed a boundary, but because Ireland’s bowlers—led by Andy McBrine—deliberately slowed the game in the final overs, letting the veteran linger just shy of a century. It was a respectful, almost poetic gesture in a match that has since become a showcase of Bangladesh’s rising Test authority.
A Series in Command
Bangladesh entered this second Test with a 1-0 lead after demolishing Ireland by an innings and 47 runs in Sylhet. That first match wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. A declaration of 587/8, followed by a bowling attack that dismantled Ireland for 169 and 171, exposed the gulf in experience between the two sides. Ireland, granted Test status in 2017, is still finding its footing. Bangladesh, by contrast, has won 11 of its last 18 home Tests since 2020. This series isn’t just about points—it’s about legitimacy.On Day 1, Bangladesh posted 292/4 in 90 overs, with Mominul Haque playing the anchor role. His 63 off 128 balls came after two dropped chances, a reminder that Test cricket rewards patience as much as power. The 107-run stand with Rahim steadied the ship after early losses, including Shadman Islam’s 35, trapped LBW by McBrine. The Irish captain, Andy Balbirnie, looked on from the slips, knowing his side had their work cut out.
McBrine’s Masterclass and the Irish Fightback
If Bangladesh’s batting was methodical, Ireland’s response was desperate. By Day 2, they’d managed only 239/7, with McBrine doing the heavy lifting. His 6 for 109 wasn’t just numbers—it was narrative. He dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto with a sharp turn, a moment fans called “sweet revenge” after Shanto had launched him for six the previous over. McBrine’s spell turned momentum, briefly giving Ireland hope. But the damage was structural: they still trailed by 237 runs with three wickets left on Day 3.It’s worth noting McBrine’s figures are the best by an Irish bowler in Bangladesh since 2018. Still, his heroics can’t mask deeper issues. Ireland’s top order has scored just one fifty in 14 innings across the two Tests. Their middle order—Cade Carmichael, Stephen Doheny, Jordan Neill—has averaged 19.3. Against a side like Bangladesh, which now boasts three bowlers with over 200 Test wickets collectively, that’s not enough.
The Weight of History
Rahim’s 100th Test isn’t just a personal triumph—it’s symbolic. He’s played through Bangladesh’s darkest days: the 2007 World Cup collapse, the 2014 whitewash by Australia, the years when the national team was labeled “minnows.” Now, he’s part of a side that’s beaten South Africa at home, drawn with England, and regularly outplays teams with far greater resources. His presence on the field carries more weight than any statistic.When he finally reached his century in the 2024 series against Sri Lanka, Rahim said, “I don’t play for records. I play because this team gave me a home when no one else believed.” That sentiment echoes louder now. His teammates—Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain—are the new guard, but Rahim remains the soul.
What Comes Next?
With three wickets remaining in Ireland’s first innings and Bangladesh leading by 237, the match is effectively in the bag. But the real story is the series. A win here would make it 2-0—a clean sweep, and only the second time Bangladesh has swept a two-Test series at home since 2018. It would also extend Ireland’s winless streak in Test matches against Bangladesh to 10 games, dating back to their inaugural Test in 2018.For Ireland, the challenge isn’t just winning—it’s surviving. They need to bat out Day 4, avoid follow-on, and hope for rain. But even if they do, the writing is on the wall. This isn’t a team in transition. It’s a team in over its head. The ICC’s Future Tours Programme has them scheduled for more Tests against Zimbabwe and Afghanistan in 2026. They’ll need more than McBrine’s magic to keep up.
Where to Watch and How It’s Being Seen
The match is being streamed globally via the FanCode App and T Sports, with live updates, player stats, and replays. T Sports, headquartered in Dhaka’s Bashundhara R/A, offers a mobile app that’s been downloaded over 1.2 million times since the series began. Star Sports Live carries it across South Asia, while YouTube channels like Chandan Commentary draw hundreds of thousands of live viewers—many of them in Bangladesh’s diaspora in the UK, UAE, and USA.For fans in Dhaka, the stadium was packed on Day 1. On Day 3, with the result all but decided, the crowd stayed—cheering Rahim every time he walked past the boundary. That’s the power of legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Mushfiqur Rahim’s 100th Test such a big deal for Bangladesh?
Rahim is only the third Bangladeshi to reach 100 Tests, joining Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur’s long-time partner, Tamim Iqbal. His career spans Bangladesh’s rise from Test minnows to a consistent home force. He’s played 92 of those matches since 2011, enduring criticism, injuries, and team turmoil. His milestone isn’t just statistical—it’s cultural, symbolizing resilience and growth in a cricketing nation still fighting for global recognition.
How has Ireland performed in Test cricket since gaining full membership?
Since gaining Test status in 2017, Ireland has played 13 Tests, winning just one (against Afghanistan in 2023). They’ve lost eight, drawn four, and never beaten a full-member nation. Their batting average across all Tests is 24.7, the lowest among all current Test nations. Their bowling economy rate is 3.8, which is high for Test cricket. They’re improving, but they’re still a long way from competing with established sides like Bangladesh.
What’s the significance of Bangladesh winning this series 2-0?
A 2-0 sweep would be Bangladesh’s first clean sweep of a two-Test home series since 2018, when they beat Sri Lanka. It would also mark their sixth consecutive Test win at the Shere Bangla National Stadium since 2021. More importantly, it reinforces their status as a formidable home side, something the ICC and media have increasingly acknowledged. With Pakistan and England scheduled to tour in 2026, this series win boosts Bangladesh’s confidence and ranking.
Why did Ireland let Mushfiqur Rahim stay on 99* on Day 1?
It was a deliberate, sportsmanlike tactic. With the sun setting and the day nearly done, Ireland’s bowlers slowed the over rate, allowing Rahim to face just enough balls to stay not out. No one wanted to take him off strike for a final ball—he’d already earned his century in spirit. The gesture was widely praised on social media and even acknowledged by Ireland’s captain, Andy Balbirnie, who called it “a moment that transcends the scoreboard.”
Is this the end of Ireland’s Test hopes?
No—but it’s a wake-up call. Ireland’s players are young, athletic, and increasingly professional. But they lack depth, experience, and a consistent domestic structure. Their next challenge is the 2026 ICC Test Championship cycle, where they’ll face Zimbabwe, Afghanistan, and Scotland. To survive, they need more first-class matches, better coaching, and a longer-term vision. This series isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of a harder road.
What’s next for Bangladesh’s Test team after this series?
Bangladesh’s next Test assignment is a home series against Pakistan in February 2026, followed by a tour of England in June. With Rahim approaching retirement, the focus is shifting to younger players like Litton Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, and Ebadot Hossain. If they can maintain their home dominance and start winning away, Bangladesh could climb into the top 8 of the ICC Test rankings for the first time in history. This series against Ireland is a stepping stone, not the destination.