Shakib Al Hasan Praises Ireland’s Second-Innings Insurgency

image-lg6onglzIreland avoided innings defeat in Mirpur (Source: Twitter/ICC)

Bangladesh won the one-off Test against Ireland by seven wickets in Mirpur. Under Shakib Al Hasan, the hosts overhauled their 138-run task on the fourth afternoon to bag their first Test victory since beating New Zealand in Mount Maunganui last year.

Despite a seemingly convincing win, the Bangladesh players were tipped to claim the Test by an innings at one stage. However, Ireland’s fightback in the second innings prompted the hosts to bat again, after taking the game to its fourth day.

Shakib Al Hasan says he never expected Bangladesh to lose

After the match, Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan said that he never expected his side to lose against Ireland. However, he also praised the visitors for showing grit and determination in the second innings of the match.

After gaining a 155-run first innings advantage, Bangladesh bowlers had the Irish batters cornered at 13-4. Despite nearing a memorable innings win, Ireland middle-order staged a late rebellion and batted out the whole day on Day 3, before getting all out for 292 on Day 4 morning. Harry Tector and Andy McBrine scored fighting fifties while wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker hammered a rapid 108 in the innings.

Bangladesh later lost three wickets in their pursuit of 138, with first-innings centurion Mushfiqur Rahim top-scoring in the run-chase through his 51*.

Shakib Al Hasan described the Irish side as “fighters” for putting up a batting resistance on Day 3 of the Test. He said:

“We didn't think we would lose the Test, but in this format you get a lot of time to stage a comeback. It is lesser in ODIs and even lesser in T20s. Ireland played well yesterday. We didn't expect it. They showed a lot of fight, but that's their nature. They are fighters. That's what they showed to us.”

Notably, the match was Ireland’s first Test after a gap of four years. The last time they donned their Test jersey was back in July 2019 against England at Lord’s.