The cricket world paused to honor a milestone that had never been reached before in Bangladesh’s history. On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, Mushfiqur Rahim walked out to bat for the 100th time in Test cricket — becoming the first Bangladeshi ever to do so. The crowd roared. Teammates stood in silence, hats off. Even the opposition, Ireland, clapped. This wasn’t just another Test match. It was a moment etched into the soul of Bangladesh cricket.
A Century in the Making
The match, the second and final Test of Ireland’s 2025-26 tour of Bangladesh, began under a bright Dhaka sun. Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat. From the first over, the atmosphere felt different. Not just because of the scoreboard, but because of the weight behind Rahim’s presence. He was no longer just a player. He was a symbol — of perseverance, of quiet leadership, of a generation that turned Bangladesh from minnows into Test contenders. By day’s end, Bangladesh had reached 292 for 4. The openers, Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Shadman Islam, laid the foundation with a 52-run stand. Then came the big one: a 107-run partnership between Rahim and Mominul Haque. Mominul, calm as ever, scored 63 off 128 balls — just one boundary. Rahim? He was patient, precise, and utterly in control. By the second day, he brought up his century — 106 runs, 214 balls, 11 fours. The crowd chanted his name. On the big screen, a montage played: Rahim at 19, Rahim at 37, Rahim lifting the Asia Cup, Rahim shaking hands with opponents after defeats, Rahim smiling through tears after wins.History in the Numbers
What followed was even more remarkable. Bangladesh didn’t just stop at one century partnership. They produced three in a row — fourth, fifth, and sixth wickets. That’s a feat accomplished only twice in Test history. Litton Das smashed 128, his second Test hundred. Then came the 123-run stand between Das and Mehidy Hasan Miraz. When Mehidy fell to legspinner Gavin Hoey, it was Hoey’s first Test wicket — a moment he’ll remember forever. Bangladesh closed on 476. And Ireland’s bowlers? They were exhausted. Andy McBrine was the only one who held his ground. He finished with 6 for 109 — his second six-wicket haul in Tests, both at this very ground. He took 6 for 112 in 2023, too. This pitch, known for its grip and turn, is his personal hunting ground. But even McBrine couldn’t stop the tide.
The Bigger Picture
This Test was never just about numbers. It was about legacy. Bangladesh had already won the first Test — by an innings and 47 runs at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium from November 11-15, 2025. Their spinners — Mehidy, Taijul Islam, and debutant Hasan Murad — took 14 wickets between them. Now, with the series already won, Bangladesh was playing for pride. And Rahim? He was playing for history. The Bangladesh Cricket Board had scheduled this tour with purpose: to test Ireland’s resilience and give Bangladesh’s young players experience. The result? A dominant performance across the board. Ireland, ranked 10th in Tests, has never beaten Bangladesh in two attempts. Their best hope now is to avoid a 2-0 sweep.What Comes Next
The match is scheduled to run through November 23, 2025. But with Bangladesh leading by over 400 runs, a declaration seems inevitable. Ireland will bat on Thursday. Their top order will need to survive the spin — and hope for rain. The pitch, as always at Mirpur, is turning square. The weather? Clear skies, 32°C. No help there. After this Test, both teams fly to Chattogram for a three-match T20 series starting November 27. That’s where the real fireworks might come — shorter format, explosive batsmen, and a chance for Ireland to salvage some pride. But for now? It’s all about Dhaka. About Rahim. About a man who carried his country’s cricketing dreams on his back for 17 years.
Why This Matters
Rahim’s 100th Test isn’t just a personal triumph. It’s proof that Bangladesh cricket has matured. In 2000, they were granted Test status. In 2005, they won their first Test. In 2025, they have a player with 100 Tests. That’s not luck. That’s structure. That’s investment. That’s patience. Few nations have turned from cricketing outsiders to consistent performers so quickly. And Rahim? He was there for every step. From the 2007 World Cup upset against India to the 2017 series win over England. From the 2019 World Cup to this moment — standing tall at the crease, helmet on, bat in hand, history in his sights.Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Mushfiqur Rahim’s 100th Test for Bangladesh cricket?
Rahim’s 100th Test is historic — he’s the first Bangladeshi to reach this milestone, joining an elite global group of just 45 players with 100+ Test caps. His longevity, consistency, and leadership have defined Bangladesh’s rise from underdogs to respected Test side. He’s played 100 Tests across 17 years, surviving five head coaches and multiple rebuilds — a testament to his resilience and skill.
Why has Bangladesh dominated Ireland in Test cricket?
Bangladesh’s spin-heavy attack, combined with home conditions, has proven too much for Ireland. In their two Tests so far, Bangladesh’s spinners have taken 28 of the 34 wickets to fall. Ireland’s batting lacks depth against turning tracks, and their pace attack struggles to make an impact on subcontinental pitches. Bangladesh’s discipline and patience in long-format cricket are now far superior.
What role did the Shere Bangla National Stadium pitch play in the match?
The pitch at Shere Bangla National Stadium has consistently favored spin since its renovation in 2018. It offers grip from day one, deteriorates sharply after 100 overs, and rewards accuracy over pace. In the first Test, Bangladesh’s spinners took 14 wickets. Here, Andy McBrine’s 6-for came on a surface that turned sharply after lunch on Day 2 — exactly where Bangladesh’s spinners will look to dominate again.
Who are the key players to watch in the remainder of this Test?
For Bangladesh, keep an eye on Mehidy Hasan Miraz — he’s due for a big score after his 47 in the first innings and could push for a double century. For Ireland, Gavin Hoey’s maiden Test wicket gives him confidence; if he can take two more, he might become their first spinner to claim a five-for against Bangladesh. Also watch Litton Das — his 128 was his third Test century, and he’s now Bangladesh’s most consistent middle-order batter.
What’s the significance of Ireland’s upcoming T20 series in Chattogram?
After being outclassed in Tests, Ireland will look to the T20 series — starting November 27 in Chattogram — to prove they belong on the global stage. With their aggressive batters like Harry Tector and Curtis Campher, they could challenge Bangladesh’s inexperienced death bowlers. But even if they win, it won’t erase the reality: Bangladesh now has a clear edge in both formats.
