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IRELAND OUT AFTER A WASHOUT
It was a unlikely that Ireland could reach the Super 8 but rain removed the opportunity without any play.
The big shock in this group was Australia being knocked out thanks to Zimbabwe who progressed into the top eight with Sri Lanka.
The experience was huge for the Irish team and although they fumbled against Sri Lanka it shows that the minnows can beat the top teams.
The learning curve continues!

GREAT WIN FOR IRELAND
Irish smiles returned to the band of supporters at Colombo and throughout the world with a resounding win against Oman. They may not be the strongest team in the World Cup but Ireland had to win, not just to win, but win emphatically and improve a net rate if they are to reach the top 8. They certainly did it!
Tucker, the stand-in skipper, was the star with a terrific 94 not out, probably denied of his century by his partner Dockrell who plundered 35 not out in nine balls. Tucker escaped a stumping but he responded with a vital 101 partnership with Delany (56) to set up the final overs and reach 235.
The bowlers also responded with three wickets from Little and a brace from Humpreys and McCarthy. The veteran Kaleem (50), the oldest man in this tournament at 44, was the stumbling block but never threatening. They eventually reached 139 well short of 96.
Don't miss the next match against Zimbabwe on Tuesday, perhaps a decider for Ireland but they need the results to fit in line to progress. If it happens, it would be a terrific performance.
MATCH SUMMARY
IRELAND 235 for 5 (Tucker 94 no/Delany 56/Dockrell 35no)
OMAN 139 (Kaleem 50/Little 3 for 16)
Ireland won by 96 runs.

STIRLING OUT
Paul Stirling, Ireland Men’s captain, has been ruled out of the rest of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after an assessment on a knee injury sustained in the match against Australia yesterday.
Stirling was fielding at cover in the 7th over of the first innings of the match when he dived high to his right to take a spectacular catch to dismiss Josh Inglis. However, as he came down, he landed on the point of his knee on an area of hard ground.
Shortly after he left the field and vice-captain Lorcan Tucker took over on-field leadership duties.
Going into the second innings, Stirling advised team management he felt he was able to bat and walked out to open with Ross Adair. On the first ball, Stirling dug out a full-length ball on leg stump to wide mid on and set off for a single. As he took a few steps his knee buckled – and despite successfully struggling to complete the single in obvious pain – the Irish captain was forced to retire hurt.
Graeme West, Director of High Performance at Cricket Ireland, said:
“Paul Stirling underwent an assessment and a scan after the Australian match which has subsequently revealed ligament damage – as such, he has been ruled out of the remainder of the T20 World Cup. Paul will shortly return home for rest and rehabilitation, ahead of the home summer.
“To replace Paul, we have called up Sam Topping, who is able to provide immediate cover as he is a short flight away in Chennai. Sam has been with the Northern Knights training squad and has been playing and training in similar conditions to Sri Lanka. The skill set he offers provides cover across a number of areas within the squad, which is important as Ben Calitz is also carrying a knock to his hand after the last match.”
The 20-year old, Antrim-born left-handed opener is currently in Chennai at an off-season training camp with the Northern Knights training squad. He is additionally an accomplished wicketkeeper and played the last domestic season in Ireland scoring 217 runs at 31.00 in T20s with a strike rate of 140. His highest score of 83 came off just 48 balls and was one of two half-centuries he scored in seven innings. He is currently uncapped at international level.

Aussies too strong for Ireland
Let's be honest-Ireland were not expected to win against the Aussies and indeed against Sri Lanka, although they had an opportunity to make a prized scalp. The real test will be the next two matches against Zimbabwe and Oman as the traveling supporters will expect wins. Not easy, but after all, it is the World Cup!
Ireland faced a daunting task as the Aussies plundered 182 for 6 and in reply skipper Paul Stirling had to retire early with an injury. Dockrell (41) and Tucker (24) were the pick of the batsmen, but spinners Ellis and Zamba ran the show with four wickets apiece. Ireland reached 115-well short, but remember Australia could well be the champions in the next two weeks.
If Stirling can't play it would be a huge blow with his experience, although his form is sporadic. That said, it is an opportunity for another and let's hope Ireland can bounce back.
MATCH SUMMARY
Australia 182 for 6 (Stonis 45/M Adair 2 for 44)
Ireland 115 (Dockrell 41/Tucker 24/Ellis 4 for 12/Zamba 4 for 24)
Australia won by 67 runs

Sri Lanka v Ireland-T20 World Cup
Like thousands of others we sat comfortably in our sofa to watch Ireland take on the mighty Sri Lanka at their home ground. Ireland lost by 20 runs but it could have been very different. As they say, catches win matches and Ireland didn't.
It started well-the Irish bowlers pegged the Sri Lanka batsmen and wickets fell after 15 overs and the local fans got quiet facing a low score, but it all went horribly wrong when the fielders spilled catches. You have to feel sorry about Matthew Humpreys who bowled three good overs but his final was a disaster as three catches were spilled. He didn't deserve that. McCarthy never got it right from the start and although he took two wickets the batsmen rallied. Ireland's best bowler Mark Adair limited the damage but Sri Lanka reached 163 which was about 20 too much.
Nevertheless, Ireland bounced back with Tector, Ross Adair and Tucker impressive and at one stage they were on top. However, the middle order collapsed and the tail never wagged and the locals were jubilant. And why not. They held their catches and that was the difference!
One commentator said Ireland played brilliantly in patched, and that summed it up perfectly. In the post-interview Ireland Captain Paul Stirling said they lacked experience but in reality it was the dropped catches.
Ireland will bounce back and this is the place to get the experience, playing with the best in the world.
Result- Sri Lanka won by 20 runs
Sri Lanka 163-6 (20 overs; Kusal Mendis 56*, Kamindu Mendis 44, P Nissanka 24; G Dockrell 2-17, B McCarthy 2-40)
Ireland 143 (19.5 overs; H Tector 40, R Adair 34, L Tucker 21; M Theekshana 3-23, W Hasaranga 3-25, M Pathirana 2-26)

The International Cricket Council has today named the Match Official appointments for ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 group stage – and the North West’s Roly Black becomes the first Irish-based umpire to be selected to stand in a T20 World Cup.
Roly, 54, was asked about how he found out about the appointment:
“I was in Abu Dhabi, umpiring in a T10 franchise competition, when I got a message from Phil Thompson, Cricket Ireland’s Match Officials Manager. I called him back and Phil broke the news - to be honest I was absolutely delighted. Over the next few days as the news sort of sunk in. I was really over the moon.”
Roly was first awarded a full-time seasonal contract by Cricket Ireland in 2019, however, he has been umpiring since 2006 and has steadily risen through the ranks of the profession. So, how does he view his role today:
“From an umpiring perspective, I see it as my responsibility for the next couple of years to try and open new doors, to try and raise the bar as far as what can be achieved for Irish umpires. To help define and explain the pathway for officiating in Ireland, and how it works.
“I’ve enjoyed great support during the last decade or more. When Ireland became a Full Member, we had four international umpires who worked closely - Mark Hawthorne, Paul Reynolds, Alan Neill and myself. We enjoyed each other's successes and we sort of picked each other up when things maybe just didn't go to plan.
“But support of my family was even more crucial. Without the support of my wife and my children, this journey wouldn’t have been possible. They sacrifice a lot - there's a lot of birthdays and anniversaries and families events that you have to miss. I really, really appreciate that support.”
What makes a good umpire?
“You need the right attributes – you need to have the correct growth mindset, have that willingness to work hard and to learn – then, anything's possible, really.
“You can also learn so much from your peers just by watching them in action. The late Paul Reynolds was definitely one we all learned from. I still think about Paul nearly every day in life, and I know he would be proud of this news. He'll be looking down, and whenever I step over that rope for the first time, Paul will be very much firmly in my thoughts.”
Match Officials at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026
Match Referees: Dean Cosker, David Gilbert, Ranjan Madugalle, Andrew Pycroft, Richie Richardson and Javagal Srinath will share match referee duties.
Umpires: Roland Black, Chris Brown, Kumar Dharmasena, Chris Gaffaney, Adrian Holdstock, Richard Illingworth, Richard Kettleborough, Wayne Knights, Donovan Koch, Jayaraman Madanagopal, Nitin Menon, Sam Nogajski, KNA Padmanabhan, Allahuddien Paleker, Ahsan Raza, Leslie Reifer, Paul Reiffel, Langton Rusere, Sharfuddoula Ibne Shahid, Gazi Sohel, Rodney Tucker, Alex Wharf, Raveendra Wimalasiri and Asif Yaqoo
The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup starts on 7 February 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

Ireland Men’s T20 World Cup squad announced

Cricket Ireland has today named its 15-player squad for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 that will be played in India and Sri Lanka from 7 February to 8 March 2026.
Ireland will be based in Sri Lanka for the Group Stage of the tournament – a Group that includes Australia, Sri Lanka, Oman and Zimbabwe.
It will be a busy start to the year for Ireland Men, with five T20Is set to be played in January in Dubai on the way to the T20 World Cup,, followed by an official warm-up match before the start of the global event.
Paul Stirling will once more lead the squad, with Lorcan Tucker his deputy.
The Irish squad will depart Dublin on the 15 January 2026.
IRELAND MEN’S SQUAD
The Ireland Men’s squad for series’ against Italy, UAE and the T20 World Cup:
Paul Stirling (captain) (Northern Knights)
Mark Adair (Lisburn / Northern Knights)
Ross Adair (Lisburn / Northern Knights)
Ben Calitz (Lisburn / Northern Knights)
Curtis Campher (Clontarf / Munster Reds)
Gareth Delany (Leinster / Munster Reds)
George Dockrell (Phoenix / Leinster Lightning)
Matthew Humphreys (Lisburn / Northern Knights)
Josh Little (Pembroke / Leinster Lightning)
Barry McCarthy (Pembroke / Leinster Lightning)
Harry Tector (Pembroke /Leinster Lightning)
Tim Tector (Pembroke / Leinster Lightning)
Lorcan Tucker (Pembroke / Leinster Lightning)
Ben White (Phoenix / Munster Reds)
Craig Young (North Down / North West Warriors)
THE UAE SERIES’
Ireland Men will play a three-match T20I series against Italy, followed by a two-match T20I series against the UAE later this month (all times are local to the venue):
23 January 2026: Ireland Men v Italy Men – 1st T20I (Sevens Stadium, Dubai; starts 10am)
25 January 2026: Ireland Men v Italy Men – 2nd T20I (Sevens Stadium, Dubai; starts 10am)
26 January 2026: Ireland Men v Italy Men – 3rd T20I (Sevens Stadium, Dubai; starts 6pm)
29 January 2026: Ireland Men v UAE Men – 1st T20I (Dubai International Stadium; starts 6pm)
31 January 2026: Ireland Men v UAE Men – 2nd T20I (Dubai International Stadium; starts 10am)

Ireland Men have gone down by eight wickets in the third T20 International of this three-match series in the port city of Chattogram today but should be pleased overall with many aspects of the series in the lead-up to next year’s T20 World Cup.
After winning the toss, Ireland elected to bat first, and – just as in the last two matches – Paul Stirling (38) and Tim Tector (17) got off to a sprightly start – the pair putting on 38 in 23 balls, before Tector was bowled by Shoriful Islam, the ball cutting across the right hander and striking the off stump.
Harry Tector (5) joined Stirling but was out in unfortunate circumstances playing a ball back towards his stumps, and in a lunging effort to kick the ball away he only toed it onto his stumps.
From there, both the run rate slowed dramatically, and wickets continued to fall at regular intervals. George Dockrell (19) and Gareth Delany (10) were the only two batters after the fall of Stirling to make double figures, and the Bangladeshi bowlers – particularly the spinners – controlled the game to restrict Ireland to 117 all out.
As an aside, Tanzid Hasan equalled the record for most number of outfield catches in T20I cricket with five – however, his five consecutive dismissals, so a rare feat
The Bangladeshi batting reply was decisive – despite losing two early wickets the home eased to victory in 13.4 overs. Craig Young (1-30) and Harry Tector (1-17) grabbed a wicket apiece, bur at the end of the day the small Irish total proved too tough to defend.
Bangladesh has won the series 2-1, but Ireland will be pleased with the series overall given the importance of the fixtures as a key part of the T20 World Cup preparations.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland 117 (19.5 overs; P Stirling 38; M Rahman 3-11)
Bangladesh 119-2 (13.4 overs; T Hasan 55*; H Tector 1-17)
Bangladesh won by 8 wickets

Ireland Men have been narrowly defeated in the second T20 International of this three-match series in the port city of Chattogram today.

After winning the toss, Ireland elected to bat first, looking to repeat its batting heroics from Game One on Thursday. Paul Stirling (29 off 14 balls) and Tim Tector (38 off 25 balls) got Ireland off to a fast-paced start, and despite losing Stirling towards the end of the fifth over, the visitors continued to find the boundaries regularly and were 75-1 at the end of the first powerplay – Ireland Men’s third-highest powerplay score in T20Is.
Harry Tector (11) joined his brother Tim at the fall of Stirling, and the pair put on 31 in 23 balls before Mahedi Hashan was introduced and immediately removed both Tectors and Ben Calitz (7).
From 88-1, Ireland found themselves at 103-4 and in need of a stabilising partnership.
Lorcan Tucker (41 from 32 balls) and George Dockrell (18 off 21 balls) put on 56 for the 5th wicket – providing a solid platform to launch in the death overs, but some clever bowling, particularly by Mustafizur Rahman restricted that hoped-for final overs thrust and Ireland finished on 170-6 from their 20 overs.
It appeared that the Bangladeshi batters decided they would need to take the attack to the Irish bowlers early on, and under the lights with a heavy dew settling on the outfield, that’s exactly what they did.
Parvez Hossain (42) and Tanzid Hassan (7) took 26 from the first 15 balls, until Tanzid was run out by an inspired effort by Barrry McCarthy. The big Pembroke-man ran towards short cover to field the ball off his own bowling. After tumbling to make the stop, McCarthy sprang to his feet and fired a direct-hit throw at the stumps, with Tanzid caught short of the crease.
With Bangladesh at 86-1, leg-spinner Gareth Delany induced a false shot by Hossain, who was caught by Dockrell at point.
Bangladeshi captain Litton Das (57 off 37 balls) then set about ensuring his side didn’t repeat the mistakes of the last match and blasted a 35-ball half-century to have the home side needing just 33 off the last 30 balls to win. However, the game had a few twists left. Ireland grabbed two wickets in three balls to build some late pressure on the Bangladeshi batters – Mark Adair trapping Litton in front, and Delany outfoxing Saif (22 off 17 balls) who was caught at long on by Humphreys – and suddenly the home side looked potentially vulnerable.
With the run rate required once more rising, Mohammad Saiuddin came to the crease and struck 17* from 7 balls to help his side sneak over the line with two balls to spare.
The third match in the series is on Tuesday – starting at 2pm (8am Irish time).
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland 170-6 (20 overs; L Tucker 41, T Tector 38; M Hasan 3-25)
Bangladesh 174-6 (19.4 overs; L Das 57; G Delany 2-28, M Adair 2-36)
Bangladesh won by 4 wickets

IRELAND WIN
Ireland Men have comprehensively defeated Bangladesh Men by 39 runs in the first T20 International of this three-match series in the port city of Chattogram today.
After losing the toss, Ireland was sent into bat first with Tim Tector named as Paul Stirling’s opening partner. The pair began sprightly, scoring at a rate of 10 an over for the first four overs, with Stirling playing several classic cover drives and punched shots through the off-side, while Tector looked to score freely and without fear.
When Stirling fell for 21, that brought the Tector brothers together at the crease for the first time in senior international cricket. The pair continued the momentum, scoring 31 from four overs, before Tim, on 32, skied a ball to long on and was out caught.
Harry Tector continued to score quickly, taking quick singles when the ball wasn’t there to hit, but powering the ball over the boundary rope when it was in the slot. He brought up his 7th T20I half-century from 37 balls – going on to score 69* off 45 balls. His knock featured five sixes – all of which were well-struck between mid-wicket and long on. The tall right-hander surged past his previous best in T20Is of 64*, taking 16 of the 17 runs that came off the last over of the innings.
Curtis Campher (24 off 17 balls) and George Dockrell (12* off 7 balls) supported Tector towards the back end of the innings, and Ireland finished with a highly competitive 181-4 from their 20 overs.
Seeking a positive start with the ball, spinner Matthew Humphreys claimed the scalp of Tanzid Hasan for 2 in the first over, then in the next over Mark Adair (on his return from injury) removed Litton Das for 1 with his second ball.
Bangladesh looked in disarray when Adair struck again in his next over to leave the home side reeling at 8-3, then the Bangladeshi prospects appeared to sink further into the mire when Barry McCarthy was thrown the ball and immediately struck – bowling Saif Hassan for 6.
Towhid Hridoy (83*) and Jaker Ali (20) put on a 48-run stand for the 5th wicket – the pair attempting to wrestle back some control despite the required run rate climbing above 2 runs per ball. But the Irish bowlers - battling with a wet ball (from the nighttime dew) and a resurgent Bangladesh – began to wrest the momentum back, removing Jaker at 66-5 in the 12th over.
By the end of the 13th over, bowled by Humphreys, Bangladesh fell from 71-5 to 74-8. The Belfast-born left-arm tweaker achieved his career-best 4-13 from his 4 overs – his control and variation of pace was backed by exceptional fielding as well as a remarkable stumping by Tucker. Humphreys bowled full down the legside, the batter missed it, but Tucker thrust a hand out low, gloved the ball and whipped the bails off in one move. The batter’s foot had lifted slightly off the ground, and after a television review, Nasum Ahmed was walking back to the pavilion.
While Hridoy’s late runs closed the run gap between the two sides, the win for Ireland was one of their best in this format given the opponent, the venue and the fact they bowled in the difficult time of day when heavy dew had settled on the outfield making it harder for bowlers to grip.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland 181-4 (20 overs; H Tector 69*, T Tector 32; T Sakib 2-41)
Bangladesh 142-9 (20 overs; T Hridoy 83*; M Humphreys 4-13, B McCarthy 3-23)
Ireland won by 39 runs

IRELAND LOST BY 217 RUNS
On paper, it looks like a solid loss. The real story is far more interesting that the numbers alone. Ireland may have lost on the scoreboard today, but they won much admiration around the world.
Beginning the day requiring 333 runs for a highly unlikely victory, the Irish lower-order were determined to demonstrate their grit and determination – and they won the plaudits of many.
Curtis Campher was remarkably stoic in defence – despite a cracking and wearing pitch, combined with world-class spin bowlers in home conditions - the Irish all-rounder stood tall. Known for his quick-scoring ability with the bat, Campher played a true Test innings of patience, calm and stubborn resistance. His half-century came up off 157 balls, and by the time the last wicket fell, Campher was 71* from 259 balls.
Andy McBrine was Campher’s overnight partner, but he fell trapped in front for 21 early on Day 5.
Jordan Neill then entered the fray and – once again – the young allrounder found a way to combat the Bangladeshi bowling attack. Across the two Tests, Neill has scored 30, 36, 49 and 30 – valuable lower-order contributions for a number 9.
After Neill was dismissed, bowled by a near unplayable delivery from Mehidy Miraz that pitched on middle and turned away from the right-handed batter to beat the bat and crash into the off stump, the next partnership was the highest of the Irish innings, but also the most mesmerising.
Campher, solid in defence, was joined by Test debutant Gavin Hoey. Early on, Hoey slotted smoothly into the role of support for Campher, and then gradually began to outscore his partner over the next 32 overs they shared at the crease.
Hoey showed composure and great technique in his 104-ball stay. Compiling 37 runs, including four fours, he and Campher pushed on past lunch and into the middle session of the day.

Shortly after lunch, Ireland’s total had become the highest fourth-innings Test score in Dhaka by a visiting side, and the home side began to show frustration.
Eventually, Hoey was beaten by a ball from Hasan Murad that trapped him in front – and Matthew Humphreys fell the very next ball – with Bangladesh wrapping up the Test series 2-0.
But numbers alone don’t tell the full story – records, earthquakes, batting and bowling heroics - Ireland can now move on to the T20 International series starting later this week with confidence.
MATCH SUMMARY
Bangladesh 476 (141.1 overs; L Das 128, M Rahim 106; A McBrine 6-109)
Ireland 265 (88.3 overs; L Tucker 75*, J Neill 49; T Islam 4-76)
Bangladesh 297-4d (69 overs; M Haque 87; G Hoey 2-84)
Ireland 291 (113.3 overs; C Campher 71*, H Tector 50; H Murad 4-44)

EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE!
On the day the first Test in the Ashes was decided in less than two days, Ireland has pushed Bangladesh into a 5th day, and will look to take the game as deep as possible in the distant hope of frustrating the home wide into a draw.
At the end of Day Four, Ireland still requires 333 runs for a most unlikely victory, while Bangladesh need just four wickets. While this would seemingly indicate the match balance was firmly in the favour of the Bangladeshi’s, Test cricket can sometimes turn up remarkable outcomes. The Irish side know the longer they can keep their opponents in the field tomorrow, the pressure will build and…who knows?
Earlier today, Gavin Hoey grabbed a second wicket, and 20-year old all-rounder Jordan Neill claimed his first-ever Test wicket before the Bangladesh captain declared their innings closed on 297-4, a lead of 508 runs.
Ireland lost openers Andrew Balbirnie and Paul Stirling by the 8th over for 13 and 9 respectively. Cade Carmichael compiled a neat 19 before being trapped in front, but Harry Tector and Curtis Campher then dug in.
The pair added 41 for the 4th wicket, however their vigil lasted 14 overs. Tector registered his fifth Test half-century, but then played a misjudged shot and was heading back to the Pavilion. Stephen Doheny and Lorcan Tucker came and went, but Campher stayed the course and was 34* at stumps, together with Andy McBrine on 11*.
The match resumes tomorrow at 9.30am (3.30am Irish time).
MATCH SUMMARY
Bangladesh Men v Ireland Men, 2nd Test, Dhaka, 19-23 November 2025
Bangladesh 476 (141.1 overs; L Das 128, M Rahim 106; A McBrine 6-109)
Ireland 265 (88.3 overs; L Tucker 75*, J Neill 49; T Islam 4-76)
Bangladesh 297-4d (69 overs; M Haque 87; G Hoey 2-84)
Ireland 176-6 (54 overs; H Tector 50; T Islam 3-55)

'Anything can happen'
The home side turned the screws on Ireland late on Day Three to put themselves in a seemingly impregnable position, but Ireland’s vastly improved batting performance – and spirited bowling display – means they have much to still offer this Test as we head towards Day Four.
Test cricket is a remarkable sport – as the cliché goes: “anything can happen”. That was fully realised when, during the 56th over of the Irish innings today, play stopped after a magnitude 5.7 earthquake shook the stadium. The earthquake struck east of Dhaka, but reports say that it was felt as far away as Kolkata in India. Early indications are that there have been some deaths and injuries as a result, so all involved in this game today are thinking of those affected by this event.
Back to the field of play - on paper, Bangladesh holds a big lead at stumps on Day Three. However, the Irish players can take some comfort that their reputation as a never-say-die cricket team has been maintained after yet another backs-to-the-wall lower-order batting display that put some substance into the innings.
Starting the day on a precarious 98-5, Lorcan Tucker (75*) and debutant Stephen Doheny (46) put on a classy and gutsy batting display – showing an applied method of counteracting the spin while not getting bogged down in defence. Their 81-run stand for the sixth wicket was the second-highest stand for that wicket. Tucker now features in eight of the 20 highest partnerships for Ireland in Tests, demonstrating his importance to this Irish middle order.
The wicketkeeper-batter – who scored a century at this ground 2.5 years ago, looked as solid as a rock – his 171-ball vigil was a display of determination, talent and judgement on shot selection in challenging conditions. While he struck seven boundaries in his innings, Tucker showed an admirable ability to defend against the spinning onslaught that was thrown at him, however, he was equally adept at punishing anything over-pitched or wide.
His partner for the first part of the day, Stephen Doheny, had waited long enough for his chance to make his Test debut and seemed committed from ball one to support Tucker, and put a high price on his wicket. Doheny is renowned in domestic cricket for his powerful, clean hitting in white ball cricket, but today he demonstrated a “Test temperament” as he dug in and made the Bangladeshi bowlers work hard to dislodge him.
Unfortunately, with the hard work almost done – getting through to stumps last night and then through the first tricky hour today – Doheny played down the wrong line to a Taijul Islam turner and the ball clipped his off stump in the shadows of what would have been a half-century on debut.
Uncharacteristically, Andy McBrine went cheaply – bowled for 0, but Tucker then found some entertaining support from Jordan Neill.
The 20-year old all-rounder playing in only his second Test had scored 30 and 36 in his debut last week, and today struck 49 in a lively, and at times unorthodox knock. Despite how his shots looked aesthetically at times, Neill has found a way to score against some world-class spin bowling, and fully deserved a first Test Match half-century – but fell desperately close, top edging a ball that reared up off a length and he was out one run short of the milestone.
The pair’s 71-run partnership was the highest-ever for the eighth wicket for Ireland in Tests.
Gavin Hoey and Matthew Humphreys fell a few overs later, leaving Tucker stranded on 75 - and Ireland 11 runs shy of avoiding the follow on.
Bangladesh, though, chose to bat again and by the end of play were 152-1 with a 363-run lead.
MATCH SUMMARY
Bangladesh 476 (141.1 overs; L Das 128, M Rahim 106; A McBrine 6-109)
Ireland 265 (88.3 overs; L Tucker 75*, J Neill 49; T Islam 4-76)
Bangladesh 152-1 (37

An absorbing day of Test cricket saw Ireland fightback from a slow start, but the momentum swung firmly back to the home side’s advantage by the end of Day 1 of the 2nd Test of this two-match series in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first on a green-tinged pitch in Mirpur. The Irish side had two changes from the last Test with Barry McCarthy and Craig Young making way for two Test debutants, Stephen Doheny and Gavin Hoey.
Jordan Neill, in his second Test, surprisingly took the new ball, while at the other end, Curtis Campher was chosen to partner him. Despite a few dangerous deliveries that pitched on a good length and beat the bat, the seamers found no early joy and by the 12th over, Ireland had turned to spin.
Enter Andy McBrine. Ireland Men’s leading Test wicket-taker began tightly, then made the first breakthrough of the day. The Donemana off-spinner trapped Shadman Islam in front, which was given not out on the field, but after a referral to the TV umpire the decision was reversed and McBrine had his first scalp.
One became three by lunch, as McBrine induced a leading edge by Mahmudul that was caught at mid off, then – immediately after being hit for a six – McBrine delivered a beautifully crafted response. The ball angled into the left-handed Najmul Shanto, slightly quicker and fuller. Shanto played back but was beaten and the bails were sent flying.
After lunch, the Bangladeshi batters consolidated their innings with a patient 107-run stand between Mominul Haque (63) and legendary batter Mushfiqur Rahim (playing in his 100th Test) – and at 202-3 looked to be comfortable and unconcerned by what the Irish bowlers were serving up.
Captain Andrew Balbirnie threw McBrine the ball and almost immediately the fourth wicket fell. Mominul played a sweep shot but edged the ball down onto his boot. The ball then flew to Balbirnie at silly point. After consultation with the TV umpire, the dismissal was confirmed and the Irish side had their tails up seeking further in-roads into the home side’s batting line up.
However, Ireland couldn’t strike again, and at the end of the day the Bangladesh side was 292-4.
Some late interest in the day was generated by Mushfiqur – in his milestone Test appearance – falling one run short of scoring his century today, He finished 99 not out and will have to wait until the morning to see if he can register his 13th Test century.
Play resumes at 9.30am (or 3.30am Irish time) tomorrow.
MATCH SUMMARY
Bangladesh 292-4 (90 overs; M Rahim 99*, M Haque 63; A McBrine 4-82)

BEATEN BUT UNBOWED
Bangladesh may have won this 1st Test of this two-match series against Ireland, but the Irish side have much to build on ahead of the second Test starting 19 November 2025.
Looking doomed at 86-5 at the start of play – with a 215-run deficit – the Irish batters looked to play positively and not get dragged into a battle of attrition.
Andy McBrine was once more an immense asset for this Test squad, scoring his fifth Test half-century. He now has the status of ‘Ireland Men’s Test highest wicket-taker’ and ‘Ireland Men’s second-highest Test run-scorer’.
McBrine looked assured at the crease from the outset – and despite surviving a number of close scares (he was giving out twice in successive balls at one point this morning, only to have both decisions over-turned on review), batted Ireland through to lunch in reasonable comfort.
Earlier, Matthew Humphreys flared briefly with 16, before McBrine partnered with Andrew Balbirnie in a 66-run stand. Balbirnie had injured a finger in the field on Day 3 and had been moved lower down the order to give the finger a rest and time to recover overnight.
Jordan Neill again batted bravely – his 30 in the first innings was surpassed by an, at times, unorthodox batting display today of 38.
Barry McCarthy looked solid for his 25 as Ireland pushed into the second session of the day – but were eventually bowled out for 254 in 70.2 overs.
The skipper Balbirnie acknowledged “we showed what we could do in bursts”, but those bursts needed to be sustained longer in this format.
Both sides now move to Dhaka for the second Test which starts on 19 November 2025.
MATCH SUMMARY
Ireland 286 (92.2 overs; P Stirling 60, C Carmichael 59; M Miraz 3-50)
Bangladesh 587-8d (141 overs; M Joy 171*, N Shanto 100; M Humphreys 5-170)
Ireland 254 (70.4 overs; A McBrine 52, P Stirling 43; M Murad 4-60)
Bangladesh won by an innings and 47 runs