On March 22, 2023, Bangladesh faced off against Ireland in a Test match held at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was an exciting match that had fans glued to their screens as both teams fought hard for victory.
04 APRIL 2023
TIME: 04:00 AM ET
Ireland won the toss and elected to bat first. The opening partnership between Paul Stirling and James McCollum got off to a good start, with the two batsmen putting on 67 runs in the first 15 overs. However, Bangladesh’s bowlers fought back and took regular wickets to restrict Ireland to 239 all out. Mahmudullah was the pick of the bowlers for Bangladesh, taking 4 wickets for 36 runs.
In response, Bangladesh’s innings got off to a shaky start, with opener Tamim Iqbal dismissed for a duck in the first over. However, Nazmul Hossain Shanto and Shakib Al Hasan steadied the ship with a partnership of 107 runs for the fourth wicket. Shakib Al Hasan played a brilliant innings, scoring 122 runs off 172 balls, including 16 fours and a six. He was eventually dismissed by Andy McBrine, but Bangladesh finished their innings with a score of 338 all out.
Ireland’s second innings got off to a poor start, with opener William Porterfield dismissed for a duck in the first over. However, Andrew Balbirnie and Paul Stirling fought back with a partnership of 78 runs for the second wicket. Balbirnie scored 67 runs off 98 balls, while Stirling scored 74 runs off 105 balls. Despite their efforts, Ireland were bowled out for 217, with Nayeem Hasan taking 5 wickets for 50 runs.
Chasing a target of 119 runs, Bangladesh lost a few early wickets, but Mushfiqur Rahim and Mahmudullah saw them over the line with an unbeaten partnership of 47 runs for the fifth wicket. Bangladesh won the match by 5 wickets and took a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series.
Shakib Al Hasan was named the Player of the Match for his outstanding innings in the first innings. His performance was a reminder of why he is one of the best all-rounders in world cricket.
Overall, it was an entertaining Test match that showcased the talent and resilience of both teams. Bangladesh will be looking to continue their good form in the second Test, while Ireland will be looking to bounce back and level the series.