On a humid November afternoon in Dhaka, Mushfiqur Rahim stepped onto the pitch for his 100th Test match — not as a man chasing a milestone, but as the quiet heartbeat of a nation’s cricketing soul. The moment, unfolding at the Shere Bangla National Stadium on Day 3 of the second Test against Ireland, carried more weight than any statistic could capture. Bangladesh, leading the series 1-0 after a crushing innings-and-47-run win in Sylhet, now sits in command of this match too, having posted 476 in 141.1 overs, while Ireland struggles at 239/7, still 237 runs behind. And yet, the real story isn’t just the scoreboard. It’s the man who almost didn’t make it to this day.
A Milestone Born of Patience
Mushfiqur Rahim became only the second Bangladeshi to reach 100 Tests, joining the legendary Shakib Al Hasan. But his journey wasn’t marked by fireworks. It was built on grit — 18 years of surviving criticism, adapting to shifting roles, and carrying the weight of a nation’s expectations. When he was stranded on 99* at the end of Day 1, the tension wasn’t just from the crowd. Irish players, according to T Sports commentary, were caught in an odd emotional bind: they wanted to dismiss him — but also, quietly, hoped he’d reach the century. "It’s a funny one," the commentator said. "They’re rooting for him to get there, even as they try to get him out." That moment — the final overs of Day 1, with Ireland’s bowlers deliberately bowling slow, time-sapping deliveries — became one of those rare cricketing vignettes that transcends sport. It wasn’t gamesmanship. It was respect. And it happened on a pitch that, as Chandan Commentary noted, "turns like a dusty road after monsoon."Day 1 to Day 3: The Slow Unraveling
Bangladesh’s first innings was a masterclass in resilience. Mominul Haque, dropped twice early, battled for 63 off 128 balls — a gritty counter to the spin-heavy challenge. His 107-run stand with Najmul Hossain Shanto, the captain, steadied the ship after early wickets. Shanto himself, leading his side for the first time in a home Test, finished with 72, proving he could carry the burden beyond leadership. But the real story on the bowling front was Andy McBrine. The Irish off-spinner, once overlooked in county cricket, has emerged as the backbone of this touring side. His figures of 6 for 109 — including a crucial wicket snatched by DRS after a marginal edge — turned heads. "DRS to the rescue!" exclaimed ESPN.com, capturing the moment McBrine dismissed Litton Das with a ball that barely kissed the glove. He’s the only Irish bowler to have consistently troubled Bangladesh’s middle order. Ireland’s reply, however, has been a study in fragility. At 239/7, they’re staring at an innings defeat. Lorcan Tucker and Stephen Doheny showed fight, but the lower order — Curtis Campher, Jordan Neill, and Gavin Hoey — have looked out of depth against the spin duo of Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam. The pitch, slow and gripping, rewards patience. And Bangladesh, with their home advantage and experience, have it in abundance.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreboard
This isn’t just another Test. It’s the culmination of a generation. Bangladesh’s rise from Test minnows to consistent contenders has been slow, often mocked, sometimes ignored. Rahim’s 100th Test is a monument to that journey. He played his first Test in 2006, when Bangladesh had just 14 Tests under their belt. Now, they’ve played over 120. He’s seen it all: the 2007 World Cup upset, the 2015 Ashes-style tour of England, the 2023 World Cup quarterfinal. He’s the quiet glue holding this team together. For Ireland, this series is a reality check. They came in hoping to make history as the first associate nation to win a Test in Bangladesh. Instead, they’re fighting to avoid a 2-0 sweep. Their captain, Andy Balbirnie, has spoken of "learning curves," but the gap in experience — especially in multi-day conditions — is stark. Matthew Humphreys, their pace bowler, has bowled with discipline but lacks the variation to exploit the turning track. "He’s got the line," said Chandan Commentary. "But not the magic."What Comes Next
Play resumes on Day 4 with Ireland needing 237 more runs to avoid the follow-on — and then another 238 to even have a chance of winning. With only two days left, a draw seems likely unless Bangladesh’s spinners can break through quickly. But the real prize isn’t just the win. It’s the legacy. If Bangladesh seals the series on November 23, it will be their first 2-0 Test series win over a Full Member nation since 2017. And Rahim? He’ll walk off with 100 Tests, 6,600 runs, and a place in history. No trophy, no parade — just the quiet satisfaction of knowing he outlasted every doubter.
Behind the Scenes: The Broadcast and the Buzz
The match is being streamed live on the FanCode App, with Star Sports Live carrying the TV feed. But the most compelling coverage? That’s on YouTube, via Chandan Commentary. Their unfiltered, emotionally charged analysis — complete with crowd noise and spontaneous outbursts — has drawn millions. "This isn’t just cricket," one viewer commented. "It’s a national moment." And in the stands? A sea of green and red, waving flags, chanting Rahim’s name. Even the Irish supporters, outnumbered, have started clapping when he walks out. That’s not just sportsmanship. That’s legacy.Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Mushfiqur Rahim’s 100th Test for Bangladesh cricket?
Rahim is only the second Bangladeshi to reach 100 Tests, after Shakib Al Hasan. His career spans 18 years, during which Bangladesh transformed from a minnow into a consistent Test side. He’s played 96% of all Tests Bangladesh has ever played, making him the backbone of their rise. His 6,600 runs and 250+ dismissals behind the stumps have defined an era.
Why was Mushfiqur Rahim stranded on 99* at the end of Day 1?
Ireland, aware of the historic milestone, deliberately slowed the game in the final overs of Day 1, bowling long, defensive spells to prevent Rahim from facing another ball. It was a rare act of sportsmanship — not gamesmanship. The Irish players reportedly felt conflicted: they wanted to dismiss him, but also didn’t want to be the team that denied him the moment.
How has the pitch at Shere Bangla National Stadium affected the match?
The Dhaka pitch has turned sharply from Day 2 onward, favoring spinners. Bangladesh’s Mehidy Hasan and Taijul Islam have exploited it brilliantly, while Ireland’s bowlers, especially pace man Matthew Humphreys, have struggled to find purchase. The slow nature has also favored patience — a trait Bangladesh’s top order possesses in abundance.
What’s at stake for Ireland in this series?
Ireland has never won a Test in Bangladesh, and a 2-0 loss would mark their sixth consecutive Test defeat away from home. With only 12 Test wins in their history, every series is a chance to prove they belong. A draw here would still be a moral victory, but a loss deepens the gap between them and Full Members.
Who are the key players to watch on Day 4?
For Bangladesh, Mehidy Hasan Miraz and Taijul Islam need to finish the Irish tail — they’ve taken 11 of the 15 wickets so far. For Ireland, Andy McBrine must keep bowling with control, while lower-order hitters like Curtis Campher and Jordan Neill need to survive long enough to force a draw. The next 40 overs could decide the series.
When will the match end, and what’s the weather forecast?
Play is scheduled to conclude on November 23, 2025. Weather reports show clear skies and no rain expected through the weekend, meaning full days of play are likely. With only 120 overs remaining and Bangladesh’s spinners in full flow, a result is probable — unless Ireland’s lower order defies logic.