BAN vs IRE Preview | Red-ball battle returns to Sylhet as Ireland seek redemption against confident hosts
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Test cricket returns to Sylhet on November 11 with the first of two Tests between Bangladesh and Ireland. This is their first meeting in the long format since 2023, which was won by the hosts, and two years later the Tigers remain the clear favourites given their record at home in recent years.
For Bangladesh, the red-ball format continues to serve as a barometer of consistency. Under captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, the hosts have enjoyed a productive run in home Tests, including emphatic wins over Zimbabwe earlier this year. Their batting core – Mominul Haque, Litton Das, and Mushfiqur Rahim – remains experienced, while Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam are expected to spearhead the spin attack on friendly surfaces.
Ireland, on the other hand, have displayed remarkable progress in their limited Test exposure, winning three of their last five matches – a record that includes victories over Afghanistan and Zimbabwe. The combination of Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, and Lorcan Tucker has provided much-needed stability in the middle order. Yet, subcontinental conditions remain a challenge, especially against quality spin.
The clash in Sylhet thus offers a compelling storyline: Bangladesh defending fortress-like home dominance versus Ireland’s growing hunger to establish credibility in the red-ball arena.
The Tigers have had a mixed run in recent Tests, balancing big home wins with occasional collapses abroad. Their most recent series saw them dominate Zimbabwe with an innings win in Chattogram but falter against Sri Lanka in Colombo.
Ireland’s red-ball revival continues to impress. After early defeats in 2023, they registered consecutive Test wins against Afghanistan and Zimbabwe, showing improved discipline in both batting and seam bowling departments.
Bangladesh: W L W D L
Ireland: L L W W W
In Test cricket, Bangladesh lead the head-to-head 1-0, having claimed a dominant victory in their maiden encounter in 2023. That match saw Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam dismantle the Irish batting lineup with relentless spin pressure.
Historically, these two nations share limited red-ball history, but in white-ball formats, Bangladesh have often held the upper hand, particularly in home conditions. Ireland, however, arrived with renewed belief and several players boasting recent subcontinental experience – a factor that could narrow the gap this time around.
Bangladesh 1-0 Ireland
The Sylhet International Cricket Stadium is known for its picturesque setting and spin-friendly nature. The pitch traditionally offers good carry and moderate bounce early on, allowing batters to settle before assisting spin from Day 3 onwards. Teams winning the toss typically opt to bat first, with first-innings scores averaging around 260-280.
Weather forecasts for Day 1 (November 11) suggest clear skies and temperatures around 29°C, with humidity hovering near 65%. Light winds are expected, but no rain interruptions are predicted – ideal conditions for uninterrupted play. Given the dry surface and progressive wear, captains will likely consider batting first as the optimal choice.
Skipper Najmul Hossain Shanto leads a balanced side featuring seasoned red-ball performers. Mushfiqur Rahim, potentially marking his 100th Test, brings invaluable experience behind the stumps and in the middle order. The bowling attack will once again revolve around Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, while pacers Ebadot Hossain and Hasan Mahmud are expected to share the new ball.
Ireland’s red-ball captain Andy Balbirnie will look to rely on his experienced batting lineup featuring Paul Stirling and Harry Tector, both of whom have scored heavily in recent months. Lorcan Tucker, fresh from a productive domestic run, retains the gloves. In bowling, Andy McBrine and Craig Young are likely to play key roles in controlling Bangladesh’s middle order, while young spinner Matthew Humphreys offers variation.
Bangladesh (Probable XI): Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Hasan Murad, Ebadot Hossain, Hasan Mahmud.
Ireland (Probable XI): Cade Carmichael, Andy Balbirnie (c), Curtis Campher, Harry Tector, Paul Stirling, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Craig Young, Gavin Hoey, Matthew Humphreys.
The Bangladesh vs Ireland Test series will be broadcast live on Gazi TV (GTV) and T Sports in Bangladesh, with RTE Sport providing coverage in Ireland. For international viewers, the match will also be streamed on Fancode and ICC.tv, offering live commentary, highlights, and ball-by-ball updates throughout the five days.
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