After the first day of the Sylhet Test, Ireland finished their first innings on 270 for 8 wickets. While Jordan Neil remained not out at the close of play, Ireland could have ended with just three wickets in hand, potentially giving the visitors a slightly stronger position. Ireland’s assistant coach, Gary Wilson, believes that Bangladesh are slightly ahead after day one.
Bangladesh’s spinners were the main force on the first day. Mehedi Hasan Miraz claimed three wickets, debutant Hasan Murad took two, and Tanvir Islam added one more. The remaining two wickets were shared by pacers Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana. Wilson credited Bangladesh’s bowlers for their disciplined performance.
He said, “It was a fairly good day. If that last wicket hadn’t fallen, it might have ended more evenly. That final wicket perhaps put Bangladesh slightly ahead. But until both teams have batted fully, nothing is certain.”
Reflecting on the bowling, Wilson added, “They bowled very accurately. There wasn’t much spin early on, but as the day progressed, the spinners gained an advantage. They kept a consistent line and length and didn’t give away many loose deliveries.”
Despite several dropped catches, which could have seen Ireland bowled out earlier, Bangladesh’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout the day. Early wickets included captain Andy Balbirnie, dismissed by Hasan Mahmud in the first over. Paul Stirling and Cade Carmichael added crucial fifties for Ireland before further wickets fell. Tanvir Islam dismissed Jordan Neil off the last ball of the day, ensuring all five Bangladesh bowlers claimed scalps.
Wilson particularly praised Miraz’s control and attacking approach, saying, “Mehedi Hasan Miraz bowled excellently. He kept his line and length, attacked well, and didn’t bowl any poor deliveries. He was outstanding.”
Discussing the Sylhet pitch, Wilson said, “It’s a very good ground. The T20 World Cup and ODIs have been played here before, so overall it’s a positive experience. There’s pace and bounce, and the wicket played well. Tomorrow, after watching Bangladesh bat, we’ll get a better understanding of the pitch and the match situation.”
