Bangladesh vs Ireland Preview | Second Test in Dhaka promises red-ball drama

Ireland, led by Andy Balbirnie, will seek a measured approach in the second Test. Key batters such as Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, and Lorcan Tucker will need to anchor the innings, while the bowling unit, including Barry McCarthy and Andy McBrine, will aim to extract movement and contain the home side on a pitch favoring spin. Both teams will look to consolidate their red-ball strategies, with this encounter shaping the momentum for the remainder of the series.

Form Guide

After a mixed start to the season, Bangladesh have shown resilience in recent red-ball matches, including innings victories over Ireland and Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, Ireland have experienced highs and lows over the last season, with notable wins against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe offset by losses to England and Zimbabwe.

Bangladesh’s batting depth, anchored by Joy, Shanto, and Mominul Haque, combined with a versatile bowling attack, makes them a formidable side at home. Ireland’s adaptability and ability to build partnerships will be key to its survival against Bangladesh’s spinners on slow tracks.

Bangladesh: W L W L W

Ireland: L W W W L

Head-to-Head

In recent encounters between the two sides since 2023, Bangladesh have been dominant, winning both Tests in the head-to-head series. Ireland have yet to register a victory in these matchups, highlighting the challenge they face in Dhaka. The 2-0 record reflects Bangladesh’s ability to exploit home conditions and control red-ball proceedings, particularly through their spin attack and consistent batting performances.

Bangladesh 2-0 Ireland

Pitch and Weather

Shere Bangla National Stadium is traditionally a spin-friendly venue. The pitch is expected to be slow and assist turn from Day 1, favoring spinners such as Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Early movement for pacers is limited, meaning the toss could be pivotal: captains winning the toss may opt to bat first and set a strong total to put scoreboard pressure on the opposition.

Weather forecasts for Dhaka suggest a hot day around 30°C, with mostly clear skies. Humidity will be high, potentially influencing the wear on the pitch as the innings progress. Daytime conditions are likely to favor batsmen initially, with spinners gaining effectiveness as the pitch deteriorates over the course of the match.

Team News

Bangladesh have no major injury concerns and are expected to field the same XI that dominated the first Test. Najmul Hossain Shanto will continue to provide leadership, while the batting order remains consistent with established run-scorers at the top and experienced finishers in the lower-middle order.

Ireland may consider minor tactical adjustments following the Sylhet defeat, potentially rotating bowlers or promoting key batters like Harry Tector up the order. The side will focus on absorbing pressure early and targeting partnerships to counter Bangladesh’s spin attack.

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

Broadcasting Platforms

Fans can follow live coverage of the Bangladesh vs Ireland Test on the FanCode app and website in India from 9:00 AM on Wednesday. Cricbuzz and ESPNcricinfo provide ball-by-ball commentary, while selected matches are streamed via regional networks such as GTV Sports and BTV, ensuring access across Bangladesh and Ireland.