Bangladesh opted to bat after winning the toss in the second Test against Ireland in Mirpur on Wednesday.
This Test is a landmark occasion as Mushfiqur Rahim became the first Bangladeshi to play 100 Test matches.
The Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium — where Mushfiqur has scored ample runs, turned celebratory as the 38-year-old walked out for his milestone appearance.
Nearly two decades have passed since his teenage debut at Lord’s, and his longevity mirrors Bangladesh’s own Test journey across 155 matches.
Conditions were expected to favor batting early, prompting Bangladesh’s decision to take first strike.
The hosts stuck with the same top order, while left-arm spinner Hasan Murad kept his place after his impressive performance in Sylhet.
Ireland made one change, bringing in leg-spinner Gavin Hoey for Craig Young, anticipating helpful conditions for spin from the second day onward.
Captain Andy Balbirnie said his team would “push hard to spoil the Mushfiqur celebrations.”
Bangladesh: Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Shadman Islam, Mominul Haque, Najmul Hossain Shanto (capt), Mushfiqur Rahim, Litton Das (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Ebadot Hossain, Khaled Ahmed, Hasan Murad
Ireland:Andy Balbirnie (capt), Paul Stirling, Cade Carmichael, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Stephen Doheny, Andy McBrine, Jordan Neill, Matthew Humphreys, Gavin Hoey.
