AI Simulation, BAN vs IRE | Mahmudul and Shanto shine as Bangladesh dominate first day

‌Pitch and Weather

Dhaka offered a slow and flat track with some turn for spinners, particularly in the second half of the day. The surface allowed batters to settle early, but the ball began gripping and turning noticeably as overs progressed. Temperatures hovered around 30°C with high humidity, making conditions taxing for fielders, while a light breeze provided minimal relief. Overall, the pitch is expected to favour Bangladesh’s spin-heavy attack and test Ireland’s ability against slow, turning deliveries as the game moves on.

Toss

Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first, looking to take advantage of the benign early conditions and build a substantial first-innings lead on a spin-friendly surface.

Lineups

Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Hasan Murad, Hasan Mahmud, Nahid Rana, Taijul Islam

Ireland: Andy Balbirnie (c), Paul Stirling, Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Andy McBrine, Jordan Neill, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Matthew Humphreys

Match Report

Opting to bat first, Bangladesh’s top-order took time to settle against Ireland’s pace attack, with Mahmudul Hasan Joy playing a mix of caution and aggression. The opener struck nine boundaries and a six during his 141-ball 88-run effort while rotating the strike effectively. At the other end, Shadman Islam struggled for rhythm earlier on but made amends to contribute 57 runs before being dismissed in the second session.

Mominul Haque partnered with Joy to construct a patient 120+ run partnership, anchoring the innings and absorbing pressure from Barry McCarthy and Andy McBrine, who bowled disciplined spells. Post Joy’s dismissal, Mominul added 41 runs with skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto, rotating strike efficiently, before he also departed towards the end of the day. However, Shanto remained unbeaten (72*) after notching up a patient half-century, which included six fours with Mushfiqur Rahim for company as the hosts stood at a dominant 305/3 at the end of proceedings. 

Player of the Day

Mahmudul Hasan Joy was the player of the day for anchoring Bangladesh’s innings with an authoritative 88, providing the hosts with a solid platform and maintaining control throughout the initial day.

Brief Scores

Second Test Day One, BAN: 305/3 in 85 overs (Mahmudul Hasan Joy: 88, Najmul Hossain Shanto: 72*, Craig Young: 1/36) vs IRE