Bangladesh Dominates Ireland in 2nd Test as Mushfiqur Rahim Hits 100th Test Milestone

On Day 2 of the second Test in Dhaka, Bangladesh held a commanding 292-run lead over Ireland, thanks to a disciplined batting display and a stunning spell from Andy McBrine, who took 4 for 82 on Day 1. The match, played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium, also marked a historic moment for Mushfiqur Rahim—his 100th Test appearance, making him only the third Bangladeshi to reach that milestone. With Bangladesh already leading the two-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test in Sylhet by an innings and 47 runs, the writing was on the wall: this wasn’t just another series. It was a statement.

Day 1: McBrine’s Masterclass and Rahim’s Moment

When the match began at 9:00 AM BST on November 19, 2025, few expected Ireland to collapse to 90 all out. But that’s exactly what happened. Andy McBrine, the veteran off-spinner, turned the tide with a spell that had Irish fans cheering and Bangladeshi batters nervously glancing at the scoreboard. His 4 wickets included the prized scalp of captain Paul Stirling, dismissed via DRS after a close lbw appeal. "DRS To The Rescue! McBrine bags the first scalp in Dhaka," read FanCode’s highlight tag—fitting, because that moment shifted momentum entirely.

Meanwhile, inside the Bangladesh dressing room, there was quiet pride. Mushfiqur Rahim, 36, stepped onto the field not just as a batter but as a symbol. His 100th Test wasn’t marked by a century—yet—but by the weight of a nation’s expectations. "HISTORIC MOMENT," FanCode’s live feed declared, and rightly so. He joined Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur’s own mentor, Khaled Mashud, in an elite club. "He’s not just playing for runs anymore," said a former Bangladesh captain on T Sports’ post-match analysis. "He’s playing for legacy."

Day 2: Bangladesh’s Batting Buoyancy

After dismissing Ireland for 90, Bangladesh didn’t rush. They played the long game. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, who had smashed a six off McBrine earlier in the day, was caught at slip for 42. But the middle order held firm. Towhid Hridoy, the 23-year-old all-rounder, looked composed, driving through the covers with textbook precision. "GLORIOUS! Shadman drives it through covers for a boundary," FanCode noted—though it was Hridoy, not Shadman, who was at the crease. A small error, but telling: even the broadcasters were swept up in the rhythm of the game.

By stumps on Day 2, Bangladesh stood at 292/4. The CRR of 3.2 runs per over wasn’t explosive, but it was calculated. No panic. No heroics. Just control. And that’s what Bangladesh does best in home conditions: grind opponents into dust with patience.

Where to Watch: A Global Audience, Local Platforms

For fans across the world, the match was accessible—but not equally. In Ireland, the Cricket Ireland YouTube channel offered free live streaming, complete with commentary in English and post-match interviews. In Bangladesh, T Sports dominated the broadcast, streaming on YouTube and through its mobile apps (Google Play and App Store links provided). Their commentary team, though occasionally mixing up "Irish" with "island cricket team," brought warmth and local flavor. "Inshallah," one commentator said mid-over, "we hope the boys bring it home."

For those outside South Asia, FanCode was the go-to. With over 30 million registered users, it’s India’s largest sports streaming platform—and now, it’s the window into Bangladesh cricket for millions. Its highlights section, packed with phrases like "SWEET REVENGE! McBrine settles scores after Shanto’s six," turned the Test into a narrative-driven spectacle, not just a contest of runs and wickets.

What’s Next? T20s and the Bigger Picture

The Test series may be all but over, but the tour isn’t. The first of three T20Is kicks off on November 27 at 6:00 PM BST in Chattogram, followed by two more in Dhaka. For Ireland, this is about survival. They’ve lost both Tests by an innings. For Bangladesh, it’s about building momentum ahead of the 2026 ICC Champions Trophy qualifiers.

Historically, Bangladesh has won 1 of the 1 previous Test matches against Ireland. Now, they’re poised to make it 2-0. And while Ireland’s tour has been brutal, there are glimmers. McBrine’s 4-wicket haul was his best in Test cricket since 2022. Young opener Graham Kennedy showed grit. But the gap in experience, depth, and home-ground advantage remains stark.

The Bigger Game: Cricket’s Expanding Footprint

This series matters beyond the scoreboard. For Bangladesh, it’s about asserting dominance in a region where cricket is no longer just a sport—it’s identity. For Ireland, it’s a reality check. They’ve made strides since their 2007 World Cup upset, but Test cricket is a different beast. They need more than one standout bowler. They need a spine.

And then there’s FanCode. The fact that an Indian platform is the primary global broadcaster of a Bangladesh-Ireland Test speaks volumes. Cricket’s center of gravity is shifting—not just toward India, but toward digital accessibility. No longer do you need a cable subscription to follow the game. Just a phone, an app, and a Wi-Fi signal.