The action in Ireland’s historic Test tour of Bangladesh moves to Mirpur’s Shere Bangla National Stadium for the second and final match, starting on November 19, 2025. After a challenging first Test, Ireland will be looking to level the series, while Bangladesh aims for a clean sweep in front of their home fans.
Match Details:
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Date: November 19 – 23, 2025
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Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium, Mirpur, Dhaka
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Toss: To take place 30 minutes before the match start (8:30 AM local time).
Team News and Likely Playing XIs
As of now, the official playing XIs have not been announced by the teams. However, based on the squad lists and standard team compositions, we can predict the likely lineups.
Bangladesh (Likely XI):
The home side is expected to stick with a similar lineup. The batting will rely on captain Najmul Hossain Shanto and experienced players like Mominul Haque and Mushfiqur Rahim. The spin duo of Taijul Islam and Mehidy Hasan Miraz will be the main threat on a pitch that traditionally helps slow bowlers.
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Mahmudul Hasan Joy
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Shadman Islam
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Najmul Hossain Shanto (c)
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Mominul Haque
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Mushfiqur Rahim
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Litton Das (wk)
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Mehidy Hasan Miraz
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Taijul Islam
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Hasan Mahmud
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Khaled Ahmed
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Nahid Rana
Ireland (Likely XI):
Ireland will hope for a stronger performance from their top order. Veterans Paul Stirling and Andy Balbirnie need to provide a solid start, while Harry Tector is key in the middle order. The pace of Barry McCarthy and the spin of Andy McBrine will lead their bowling attack.
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Andy Balbirnie (c)
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Paul Stirling
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Harry Tector
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Curtis Campher
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Lorcan Tucker (wk)
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Stephen Doheny
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Andy McBrine
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Mark Adair / Graham Hume
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Barry McCarthy
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Matthew Humphreys
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Craig Young
Pitch and Weather Report
The pitch at the Shere Bangla National Stadium is famously spin-friendly. Batters will need to work hard for their runs, and spinners will get turn and bounce from Day 1. The weather in Dhaka is expected to be warm and humid with a low chance of rain, which should allow for a full five days of play.
Players to Watch
| Batters to Watch | Bowlers to Watch |
|---|---|
| Najmul Hossain Shanto (BAN) – The captain will be key at number three. | Taijul Islam (BAN) – The left-arm spinner is a constant threat in home conditions. |
| Harry Tector (IRE) – Ireland’s most reliable middle-order batter. | Mehidy Hasan Miraz (BAN) – An all-rounder who can change the game with his off-spin. |
| Mominul Haque (BAN) – Has an excellent record in home Tests. | Barry McCarthy (IRE) – The leader of Ireland’s pace attack. |
What to Expect and Prediction
Expect a match dominated by spin. Bangladesh holds all the cards with their experienced slow bowlers and knowledge of the home conditions. Ireland’s main challenge will be to adapt their batting to handle the turning ball better than they did in the first Test. While Ireland will fight hard, Bangladesh is the strong favourite to win this match and seal the series.
Prediction: Bangladesh to win.