Bangladesh clawed their way back through disciplined bowling on the opening day of the Sylhet Test, restricting Ireland to 270 for eight at stumps after the visitors had made a steady start.
Off-spinner Mehidy Hasan Miraz led the attack with figures of 3 for 50 from 23 overs, while debutant left-arm spinner Hasan Murad impressed with two crucial wickets — including his maiden Test scalp.
Pacers Hasan Mahmud and Nahid Rana, along with Taijul Islam, picked up a wicket apiece to keep Bangladesh in control by the close of play.
Ireland’s innings revolved around solid contributions from Paul Stirling and debutant Cade Carmichael, both of whom struck confident half-centuries. Stirling, the more aggressive of the pair, top-scored with 60, while Carmichael showed composure to compile 59. Their 94-run stand for the second wicket helped Ireland recover after losing skipper Andy Balbirnie for a duck in the first over.
However, Bangladesh’s bowlers tightened their grip after lunch. Nahid Rana broke the partnership when Stirling edged to slip on 60, and Mehidy Hasan struck soon after to trap Harry Tector lbw for 1.
The middle order offered brief resistance, but wickets continued to fall at regular intervals.
Barry McCarthy remained unbeaten on 21 as Ireland survived the full 90 overs but struggled to build lasting partnerships following the second-wicket stand.
Despite early fielding lapses — Bangladesh dropped three catches in the first session — the hosts recovered well, displaying control and patience on a pitch that offered occasional bounce and turn.