Bangladesh enjoyed a record-chasing day in Sylhet but chose to declare before surpassing their all-time highest total, despite a dominant batting display in the first Test against Ireland. The hosts amassed 587 for eight before captain Najmul Hossain Shanto called time on the innings after 141 overs, giving his bowlers a chance to attack late on.
This decision meant Bangladesh fell short of their highest-ever Test score of 638, made in Galle in 2013 against Sri Lanka — an innings that featured Mushfiqur Rahim’s double century, Mohammad Ashraful’s 190, and Nasir Hossain’s 100. Twelve years later, the team came close again but opted to prioritise a declaration over rewriting the record books.
The day also brought a historic first for Bangladesh cricket, as all of the top four batters scored fifty or more runs in the same Test innings — a feat never before achieved by the side.
Mahmudul Hasan Joy led the way with a career-best 171 off 286 balls, striking 14 fours and 4 sixes. Opening partner Shadman Islam made a fluent 80 from 104 deliveries, while Mominul Haque contributed 82 and captain Shanto added a composed century off 114 balls.
After the top order’s dominance, Mushfiqur Rahim’s early dismissal for 23 briefly slowed the momentum, though Liton Das later added another half-century to extend Bangladesh’s commanding position.
The 587-run total was also Bangladesh’s first time crossing 500 in a Test innings at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium — surpassing their previous best of 338 at the ground — capping off a memorable day that balanced history-making batting with tactical restraint.
