Bowlers topple Ireland as Bangladesh win Sylhet Test by an innings and 47 runs

The combined efforts of Hasan Murad, Taijul Islam, and Nahid Rana sees the Tigers to a comprehensive victory

Bangladesh have outplayed Ireland with both bat and ball to deliver a comprehensive win by an innings and 47 runs in the Sylhet Test.

After declaring at 587/8 on Thursday, with a 301-run lead, the Tigers bowling attack tore into the visitors, leaving them teetering at 86/5.

The Irish batsmen showed more spine on Friday.

After a couple of boundaries, Taijul Islam (3-84) struck first to remove Matthew Humphreys, but Andy McBrine (52) and Captain Andy Balbirnie (38) soldiered bravely on for a steady 66-run partnership.

Nahid Rana (2-40) found the breakthrough by scalping Balbirnie as he built a steady 66-run partnership with McBrine, while Hasan Murad (4-60) caught McBrine in front of the stumps soon afterwards.

Jordan Neill (36) and Barry McCarthy (25) put up a brave fight, but Murad struck again and Taijul took the final wicket to polish off the match.

It was an impressive all-around performance for Bangladesh against the Test minnows. Ireland won the toss and chose to bat, but were restricted to only 286 in the first innings.

In response, the Tigers posted a towering total of 587/8 with a tremendous 171 from Mahmudul Hasan Joy and a captain’s knock of 100 by Najmul Hossain Shanto.

Joy was adjudged the player of the match.

The second Test of the series will begin on Nov 19 in Mirpur.