Bangladesh defeated Ireland by 217 runs in the Mirpur Test to complete a 2–0 series whitewash, with Mushfiqur Rahim celebrating his 100th Test in style and Taijul Islam dominating with the ball. Ireland, chasing a target of 509 in the fourth innings, were bowled out for 291 as Bangladesh’s spinners controlled the match from start to finish.
Mushfiqur, the first Bangladeshi to play 100 Tests, marked the occasion with a brilliant century in the first innings. Although the spotlight initially centred on him, Taijul’s performance in the same match captured headlines. He surpassed Shakib Al Hasan to become Bangladesh’s highest Test wicket-taker and reached 250 wickets during the game, a landmark no other Bangladeshi bowler had achieved.
Ireland’s resistance in the fourth innings was limited. Curtis Campher offered some defiance, remaining unbeaten on 71 off 259 balls, scoring a vital 54 run partnership with Gavin Hoey. The visitors’ lower order, however, could not provide any lasting resistance. Hasan Murad removed Hoey lbw and bowled Matthew Humphreys in consecutive deliveries, securing the final wickets and sealing the win.
The morning session saw some resilience from Ireland, with Campher and Andy McBrine surviving the first 13 overs without loss. They faced 105 balls for a mere 26-run partnership before Taijul removed McBrine lbw, marking his 250th Test wicket and making him the first Bangladeshi to reach the milestone. Jordan Neill added 30 off 46 deliveries before falling to Mehidy Hasan Miraz, ending Ireland’s brief counterattack.
Bangladesh’s dominance was evident throughout. Mushfiqur and Liton Das’s centuries helped the hosts post 476 in the first innings, while Taijul and Mehidy restricted Ireland to 265. In the second innings, Bangladesh declared at 297 for 4, setting Ireland an imposing 509-run target. Despite some early stubborn resistance, the visitors could not prevent a comprehensive defeat.
Musfiqur Rahim had the opportunity to extend his landmark performance into a second century in the match, which would have matched Ricky Ponting as the only player to score two centuries in their 100th Test. However, Bangladesh captain Najmul Hossain Shanto declared the innings with Musfiqur unbeaten on 53 in the second innings, after scoring 100 in the first.
