Mushfiqur Rahim Hits Century in 100th Test as Bangladesh Dominate Ireland in Mirpur

When Mushfiqur Rahim stepped onto the pitch at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on November 19, 2025, he wasn’t just playing cricket — he was making history. The 36-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman became the first Bangladeshi to play 100 Test matches, a milestone that drew tears from teammates and a standing ovation from a packed Dhaka crowd. His family, former captains Akram Khan and Habibul Bashar, watched from the stands as the Bangladesh Cricket Board presented him with a commemorative bat and a framed jersey. The moment felt bigger than sport. It was a tribute to perseverance in a cricketing nation that once struggled for recognition on the global stage.

A Rocky Start, Then a Steady Rise

Bangladesh won the toss and batted first, but the opening overs were anything but smooth. Andy McBrine, Ireland’s offspinner, turned the game on its head. He dismissed Shadman Islam lbw for 35, then induced a top-edge from Mahmudul Hasan Joy that flew to mid-off. By lunch, Bangladesh were 100 for 3, with McBrine on 3 for 34. The Irish bench erupted — this was the kind of performance that could turn a mismatch into a contest.

But here’s the thing: Bangladesh don’t fold under pressure. Not anymore. Mominul Haque, calm as ever, and Mushfiqur, the veteran, stitched together a 107-run stand for the fourth wicket. Mominul’s 63 came off 128 balls — just one boundary, a masterclass in graft. He fell after tea, caught at silly point off McBrine, the ball deflecting off his boot. The TV umpire’s call confirmed it. A quiet end to a gritty innings.

The Century That Made History

Day two began at 9:30 am local time with Mushfiqur still on 99. The tension was thick. On the ninth ball of the morning, he nudged Jordan Neill into the covers for a single. The crowd roared. He had done it — 106 runs off 214 balls, his 13th Test century, and the 11th in a 100th Test match ever. No Bangladeshi had ever reached this mark. He raised his bat, wiped his eyes, and hugged Litton Das, who was already on 50 by then.

Litton, meanwhile, was in full flow. His 128 came from 158 balls, full of elegant sweeps and late cuts. He became the first Bangladeshi to score a Test century in 2025, and his fifth overall. When he reached three figures with a sweep off Gavin Hoey, the stadium exploded. For a moment, the scoreboard didn’t matter — it was about legacy.

McBrine’s Masterclass, Ireland’s Fight

Ireland didn’t quit. Andy McBrine returned like a man possessed. He trapped Khaled Ahmed leg-before on the final ball of the innings to finish with 6 for 109 — his second six-wicket haul at Mirpur, and his career-best. He had taken 4 for 82 on day one, then returned to dismantle the tail. His 2023 six-for at the same ground had been a sign of things to come. This was confirmation.

Left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys chipped in with 2 for 151, and debutant Gavin Hoey took 2 for 115. They bowled with discipline, but they were up against a side that had finally found its rhythm. Bangladesh’s 476 was their highest total against Ireland in Tests, and their first 400+ score since 2023.

What This Means for Bangladesh and Ireland

This isn’t just about a 476-run lead. It’s about identity. Bangladesh, once seen as underdogs, now have a core of players who’ve played through decades of change. Mushfiqur’s century wasn’t just personal — it was symbolic. It showed a new generation that longevity and excellence are possible here.

For Ireland, the challenge is brutal. They’ll need to bat for two full days just to avoid the follow-on. Their top order, still inexperienced in Test cricket, faces a brutal task against a spin-heavy Bangladesh attack led by Mehidy Hasan Miraz, who chipped in with 47 runs and will now look to turn the ball on a wearing pitch.

Looking Ahead: Can Ireland Survive?

The match continues through November 23, 2025. Bangladesh’s captain, Najmul Hossain Shanto, will likely enforce the follow-on if Ireland collapse early. But cricket has a way of surprising. Ireland’s bowlers have shown grit. Their fielding, sharp. And in Andrew Balbirnie, they have a captain who’s played 40 Tests — more than any other Irishman.

Still, the odds are steep. Bangladesh haven’t lost a home Test since 2022. And with Mushfiqur’s milestone behind them, this team plays with a quiet confidence no amount of runs can buy.