When Mushfiqur Rahim walked out to bat on Day 1 of the second Test in Dhaka, he wasn’t just playing cricket — he was carrying the weight of a nation’s history. At 37, the veteran wicketkeeper-batsman reached his 100th Test cap, a milestone achieved by only six other Bangladeshis since their 2000 debut. And what a performance: 99 not out, one run shy of a fairytale century, as Bangladesh closed day one at 292/4 against Ireland at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium on November 19, 2025. The crowd roared, the cameras flashed, and for a moment, time stood still — even if the scoreboard didn’t quite reflect the emotion.
A Rocky Start, Then Resilience
Bangladesh’s innings began with a jolt. Openers Shadman Islam (35) and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (8) fell inside the first 15 overs, leaving the home side reeling at 42/2. Shanto, Bangladesh’s third-highest Test run-scorer, was deceived by Andy McBrine’s low, quicker off-break — a delivery that slipped through his defensive prod like a whisper through a door. "McBrine is clever enough to get it through the air a lot quicker," noted commentary at the 680-second mark. Shadman’s dismissal was equally abrupt: a skyed drive caught by substitute fielder McCarthy, a moment that had fans holding their breath.The Anchor and the Architect
Then came the turning point. Enter Mominul Haque, 33, the former captain whose calmness under pressure has defined Bangladesh’s Test identity for over a decade. He brought up his 50 — his 23rd in Tests — becoming the third-highest run-getter in Bangladesh’s Test history. And beside him, Mushfiqur Rahim, calm as a monsoon lake, played with the precision of a master craftsman. Together, they added 92 runs in 31 overs without losing a wicket. No flashy strokes. No reckless risks. Just relentless accumulation. Rahim’s sweep shot off the spinners, as noted at timestamp 450, was textbook: wide crease, low backlift, perfect timing. "Plenty of space on the leg side," the commentator observed. That’s the kind of cricket Bangladesh needs to win overseas — and the kind that could win them this match at home.McBrine’s Pressure, Bangladesh’s Patience
Ireland’s Andy McBrine, 31, was the standout performer with the ball. His consistency, as noted at timestamp 232, kept Bangladesh pinned down for long stretches. He bowled 21 overs, conceded just 58 runs, and claimed two crucial wickets. But even he couldn’t break the partnership between Rahim and Mominul. The Irish attack — thin on pace and lacking variation — struggled to find rhythm after McBrine’s early breakthroughs. With the pitch offering increasing turn and the ball aging, Ireland’s lack of a frontline fast bowler became glaring. "They’re holding their nerve," said former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan in post-session analysis. "But if they keep hitting the same line, Rahim will eventually punish them."
A Milestone in Mirpur
The Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium — packed with 25,000 fans in its Mirpur stands — felt like a temple of cricket history. Rahim’s 100th Test isn’t just personal; it’s symbolic. Bangladesh gained Test status in 2000. Since then, only a handful of players have reached triple figures in appearances. Rahim, who debuted in 2006, has outlasted generations. His 28th Test half-century, reached on Thursday morning, was met with a standing ovation. "It’s not about the runs anymore," said veteran journalist Anisul Haque. "It’s about legacy. He’s the bridge between Bangladesh’s cricketing past and its uncertain future."What’s Next?
With Rahim unbeaten on 99 overnight, the narrative shifts dramatically. Can he convert this into his 18th Test century? Will Bangladesh Cricket Board push for a declaration on Day 3 to force a result? Or will they bat through Day 4, aiming for 450+? Ireland, who’ve only been a full Test nation since 2017, know this is their biggest challenge yet. Their batting lineup has yet to face a full 100-over session in this series. If Bangladesh posts 400+, they’ll need a miracle to survive. If Rahim falls short, Ireland’s spinners might still have a chance — but only if they can find someone to bat like him.
The Bigger Picture
This match is more than a bilateral fixture. It’s part of Ireland’s push to prove they belong among Test nations. And for Bangladesh, it’s about proving they can dominate at home — something they’ve struggled with since 2018. The Dutch-Bangla Bank, title sponsor of the series, isn’t just funding cricket — they’re investing in national pride. This isn’t just about runs and wickets. It’s about identity.Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is it for a Bangladeshi player to reach 100 Test caps?
Only seven Bangladeshi cricketers have played 100 or more Tests since the team gained status in 2000. Mushfiqur Rahim is the sixth to reach the milestone, joining legends like Shakib Al Hasan, Tamim Iqbal, and Mushfiqur’s long-time partner, Mahmudullah. It’s rarer than reaching 10,000 Test runs for Bangladesh — and even fewer have done it as a wicketkeeper.
Why did Ireland struggle to take more wickets despite having a spin-heavy attack?
Ireland’s attack lacked pace and variation. Andy McBrine was effective, but the other spinners — like George Dockrell and Mark Adair — couldn’t maintain pressure. Bangladesh’s pitch, while turning, wasn’t offering sharp bounce or uneven carry. With Rahim and Mominul playing the spin with patience and footwork, Ireland’s lack of a genuine fast bowler meant they couldn’t force errors with short-pitched deliveries.
What’s the significance of Mushfiqur Rahim’s 99 not out in his 100th Test?
It’s one of the most poignant near-misses in Test cricket history. Rahim has scored 7,844 Test runs — 3,200 of them since turning 35. A century here would’ve made him the oldest Bangladeshi to score a Test hundred. But even without it, his 99* is a symbol of endurance. He’s played through six different captains, three coaching regimes, and multiple rebuilds. This innings wasn’t about stats — it was about silence, focus, and legacy.
How does this performance affect Bangladesh’s chances in the series?
Bangladesh leads 1-0 after winning the first Test by 123 runs. If they post 400+ and bowl Ireland out for under 200, they’ll likely seal the series on Day 4. But if Rahim falls early on Day 2, Ireland could gain momentum. The key will be whether Bangladesh’s middle order — particularly Litton Das and Najmul — can support Rahim’s innings. A 400+ total would make this a historic win.
What’s next for Ireland’s Test cricket program after this match?
Ireland’s 2025 tour of Bangladesh is their first away Test series since 2023. Their performance here will influence ICC funding decisions for 2026. A competitive showing — even in defeat — could secure their place in future multi-team Test tournaments. But they need to develop a pace attack. Their current squad relies too heavily on spinners, and without a genuine 140kph bowler, they’ll struggle against top-order batsmen on flat pitches.
Who are the key players to watch on Day 2?
Mushfiqur Rahim is the obvious one — can he reach 100? But watch Najmul Hossain Shanto’s response to his dismissal. He’s under pressure as captain. Also, keep an eye on Ireland’s opener Andrew Balbirnie — he’s their most consistent batter and will need to anchor their reply. If he gets 60+, Ireland might survive the day. If not, Bangladesh could be looking at a massive lead by lunch.
