Bangladesh Cricket Revival: Top-Order Fireworks with Shadman Islam’s 80 and Mahmudul Hasan’s 169 – Joy Returns Against Ireland
Sylhet Test Day 2 Dominance: Bangladesh’s Openers Forge Record Partnerships – Insights from Shadman, Stats, and What It Means for the Series
Intro: Bangladesh Batsmen Shine Bright – A Top-Order Turnaround!
November 12, 2025, brought smiles to Bangladesh cricket fans as the Sylhet Test against Ireland saw a top-order explosion on Day 2. Shadman Islam’s brisk 80 and Mahmudul Hasan Joy’s unbeaten 169 propelled the Tigers to 338/1, securing a 52-run lead with minimal losses. After recent scrutiny on their batting (top three averaging 23.34 since 2024), this 329-run stand is a breath of fresh air – the highest since 2015’s 377 vs Pakistan. 🏏
Shadman’s post-match chat revealed the secret: “Partnerships build confidence – we targeted boundaries smartly.” Over 700 words of highlights, stats, player insights, and series implications – let’s celebrate the joy back in Bangladesh cricket!
Day 2 Highlights: Record Stands and Batting Bliss
Bangladesh’s innings started strong with Shadman and Joy’s 168-run opening partnership – the first 150+ since 2020. Shadman raced to 80 off 112 balls (10 fours, 2 sixes), falling to Humphreys’ cut shot. Joy, unbeaten on 169 (22 fours, 4 sixes), anchored with Mominul Haque’s 80, adding 170 for the second wicket – a rare top-three feast.
Key Moment: Joy’s 150 – his third Test ton, celebrating with a tiger roar, echoing Sylhet’s roar!
Declining at 338/1, Bangladesh eyes 400+ by stumps. Ireland’s bowlers toiled – Humphreys 1/80 – but couldn’t break the flow. 🔥
Captain Litton Das: “Top order’s joy – partnerships were key against seamers.”
Shadman Islam’s Insights: Building Partnerships for Success
Shadman, 29, credited practice: “We focus on boundary access – Joy and I discussed it in the middle.” Their stand boosted morale, with Shadman eyeing a century next time. Averaging 23.34 pre-Test, the top three’s revival is timely for the WTC push.
“A good opening stand gives the team a message. We target partnerships – it’s always helpful in any format.”
– Shadman Islam post-match
Joy, 25, backed for a double-ton: “He’s batting beautifully – let’s see him reach more milestones.” Their chat on replays and rotations paid off – a masterclass in patience and power. 🤝
Stats Spotlight: Bangladesh’s Top-Order Renaissance
| Stand | Runs | Previous High |
|---|---|---|
| Opening | 168 | 170 (vs SL, 2021) |
| 2nd Wicket | 170 | 377 (top three vs Pak, 2015) |
| Top Three Total | 329 | 377 (2015) |
Shadman’s 80 (112 balls) and Joy’s 169 (unbeaten) mark a turnaround – top three’s first 150+ pair since 2021. Ireland’s 286 all out in first innings leaves Bangladesh dominant. 📊
Historical note: Only second time top three exceeds 300 in a day since 2015.
What It Means: Joy Back in Bangladesh Cricket
This performance revives Bangladesh’s Test batting – after WTC struggles (3 wins in 10), Sylhet’s stand signals hope. Joy’s ton (3rd in Tests) and Shadman’s consistency could push for semis. Against Ireland (ranked 11th), it’s a confidence boost for tougher foes like Pakistan.
Coach Chandika Hathurusingha: “Partnerships build innings – top order’s joy is team’s strength.” Day 3: Aim 450+ for a declaration and innings win. 🏆
Fans: “Top order alive – Tigers roar again!”
Outro: Bangladesh Bats Back – Joy’s Return Ignites Hope
