Ireland’s cricket team ranged from the pathetic to the historic in their opening Test match against Bangladesh. The opening match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium was a harbinger of things to come, as their opening day was dealt crushing blows. Captain Andrew Balbirnie’s early dismissal threw the visitors right into the stormy seas.
Ireland started poorly as Balbirnie was out for a four-ball duck. This sudden termination created unique and immediate pressure to hastily save face for the whole cast. This was a rare occasion where Paul Stirling opened the batting, having only done so twice previously in his Test career. He was not immune to a tough debut, getting dropped twice at third while only on 10 runs. Stirling though, helped steer the ship back on course and was instrumental in steadying Ireland’s innings.
The batsman thrilled the packed house with a flurry of nine fours during his destructive knock. He’d gone for a well-played 60 off 76 balls before Nahid Rana held onto a skyer at second slip. His innings proved to be the most pivotal of the match as he anchored Ireland’s all-time best second-wicket stand in Test cricket with debutant Cade Carmichael. Carmichael left his stamp on the contest too, although a defense-lap dismissal lbw to Taijul Islam scoring 30 runs.
Ireland hit right back as they put together a superb 48-run partnership. This thrilling partnership was anchored by debutant Jordan Neill and Barry McCarthy. Neill, making his debut for Ireland, did well in support of his team’s attack but couldn’t find the end product to affect the scoreboard strongly. The team wrapped up the first day with a total of 270-8, an auspicious achievement that represents both opportunity and struggle.
Harry Tector at no.4 had a torrid time, managing just one run. At the same time, Lorcan Tucker was stumped by Litton Das after a stout 41. Curtis Campher fell prey to the Bangladesh bowling onslaught. He batted until he nicked to first slip before captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, scoring 44 runs. Andy McBrine followed him shortly after, bowled for only five runs.
Together with the untamed conditions, Bangladesh’s attack proved a handful, spearheaded by Miraz who claimed 3/50. Early wickets and a subsequent dramatic drop in momentum hindered Ireland. As they went into match two day two, tricky partnerships had crafted a problematic ambiance for them.
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