Test cricket returns to Bangladesh with renewed excitement as the hosts gear up to face Ireland in a two-match Test series. The opening Test will be played from November 11 to 15 at the Sylhet International Cricket Ground, followed by the second Test in Dhaka. Although these games are not part of the World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, they hold great importance for both teams in terms of building red-ball depth and confidence.
Match Details: BAN vs IRE
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Series | Ireland Tour of Bangladesh 2025 |
| Match | Bangladesh vs Ireland, 1st Test |
| Date | November 11–15, 2025 |
| Venue | Sylhet International Cricket Ground, Sylhet |
| Time | 9:00 AM IST |
| Live Streaming | FanCode |
Match Preview
Bangladesh, under the leadership of Najmul Hossain Shanto, will look to continue their impressive record at home. The Tigers have always been dominant in subcontinent conditions, particularly where spin comes into play. With a balanced mix of experienced players and in-form youngsters, Bangladesh will aim to start the series on a strong note.
On the other hand, Andrew Balbirnie’s Ireland will face a tough challenge in these spin-friendly conditions. The Irish side has not played much red-ball cricket recently, so adapting quickly to the conditions will be their biggest test. However, players like Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, and Andy McBrine bring valuable experience that could help them stay competitive.
Head-to-Head Record (Tests)
| Team | Matches Won |
|---|---|
| Bangladesh | 1 |
| Ireland | 0 |
| Draw/No Result | 0 |
Weather & Pitch Report (Sylhet International Cricket Ground)
The weather in Sylhet is expected to remain clear throughout the five days of play, with an average temperature of 24°C and no rain forecast.
The Sylhet pitch traditionally favors batting early on, but as the match progresses, spinners will dominate. Expect turn and bounce from Day 3 onwards. Batters need to make the most of the first innings, as chasing in the fourth innings could be extremely difficult.
Probable Playing 11
Ireland (IRE) Playing 11:
Andrew Balbirnie (c), Curtis Campher, Stephen Doheny, Graham Hume, Matthew Humphreys, Andy McBrine, Barry McCarthy, Paul Stirling, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Craig Young
Bangladesh (BAN) Playing 11:
Najmul Hossain Shanto (c), Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Mominul Haque, Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Kumer Das, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Syed Khaled Ahmed, Nahid Rana, Ebadot Hossain Chowdhury
Who Will Win Today’s Match? (AI Prediction)
Considering the conditions, team strength, and home advantage, Bangladesh are clear favorites to win the first Test. Their spinners, led by Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz, are expected to exploit the Sylhet surface effectively.
AI Match Prediction: Bangladesh to win the 1st Test vs Ireland
