When Mushfiqur Rahim walked out to bat on Day 2 of the second Test against Ireland, he wasn’t just playing another match — he was stepping onto the pitch for his 100th Test. The moment had been anticipated for weeks. Fans packed the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur, Dhaka, hoping to witness a century that would cement his legacy. Instead, they watched him finish the day on 99 not out — one run shy of history, the scoreboard cruelly frozen in time.
A Century Denied by Time
It wasn’t a dismissal. It wasn’t a poor shot. It was a tactical pause — Ireland’s players, aware of the emotional weight of the occasion, slowed the game to a crawl in the final overs of Day 2. With Rahim on 99, Ireland’s captain and bowlers deliberately took their time between balls, delaying the over rate just enough to ensure the final bell rang before he could reach triple figures. The crowd groaned. The commentators fell silent. Even the Irish fielders, usually animated, stood still, almost respectful.
"What a day for Bangladesh!" exclaimed Chandan Commentary on YouTube, capturing the mood. "Everybody was in anticipation of the legendary Mushfiqur Rahim’s century in his 100th Test match. Still, the Irish players smartly played time in the fag end of the day to see the veteran stranded on 99*!" It was a move that drew mixed reactions — some called it sportsmanship, others, cold calculation.
The Innings That Held the Match Together
Bangladesh’s innings, which ended Day 2 at 292/4 in exactly 90 overs, was built on grit, not glamour. After losing three quick wickets on Day 1 — including opener Shadman Islam (35) and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto (18) — the team teetered at 100/3. Enter Mominul Haque and Rahim, two veterans of 200+ Tests between them, who stitched together a 92-ball partnership worth 50 runs before tea.
Mominul, on 62 at tea, anchored the innings with quiet precision. His 50 came off 93 balls — four boundaries, no sixes, pure Test cricket. But it was Rahim who drew the eyes. At 37, he moved with the calm of a man who’d seen it all. His 99 not out came from 181 deliveries, laced with 11 fours and a single six. He didn’t rush. He didn’t try to force it. He simply played, as he always has.
Joining him at the crease on Day 2 was Litton Das, who played with positive intent, reaching 47 not out by stumps. Their 90-run stand for the fifth wicket was the difference between a respectable total and a commanding one. The pitch, known for its sharp turn and swing, offered little help to the batters — yet Bangladesh still posted 292.
The Lone Warrior: Andy McBrine
For Ireland, the only bright spot was Andy McBrine. The off-spinner, playing his 12th Test, was the only bowler to make consistent inroads. He claimed all four wickets to fall: Shadman Islam (lbw), Shanto (bowled), and two others not named in the broadcast. His figures: 4/72 in 29 overs. He bowled with control, exploited the rough outside off-stump, and kept the pressure on.
"McBrine was the lone warrior for the visitors," the commentary noted. "He has all four wickets to fall so far. The overrate has been top-notch. The fielding was disappointing; otherwise the story could have been different." Missed chances — a dropped catch at slip, a misfielded boundary — let Bangladesh breathe when they needed it most.
What This Means for the Series
This is the second Test in the 2025 series between Bangladesh and Ireland. The first ended with a century from one of Bangladesh’s batters — a sign of growing depth. But this match has shifted the narrative. Bangladesh, now with a 292-run lead, are in control. They’ve shown resilience against a team many still consider an underdog.
For Ireland, survival is the goal. They’ll need to bat deep on Day 3, and they’ll need to find a way to break the Rahim-Das partnership. If they can, they might still salvage a draw. But with Rahim still at the crease, and the pitch expected to deteriorate further, Bangladesh are favorites to post a lead that will be hard to chase.
A Legacy, Not Just a Number
Let’s be clear: 99 doesn’t erase 99 Tests. It doesn’t diminish Rahim’s 7,823 Test runs, his 24 centuries, or his role in Bangladesh’s rise from minnows to a team that can compete in any conditions. He’s the face of a generation — the man who held the team together through lean years, who kept the faith when others gave up.
He didn’t need a century on Day 2 to be remembered. But for the fans who waited 14 years to see him reach this milestone, it stung. He’ll get another chance tomorrow. And if he does reach triple figures? It won’t just be a number. It’ll be a moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t Mushfiqur Rahim get his century on his 100th Test?
Ireland’s players deliberately slowed the game in the final overs of Day 2, taking extra time between deliveries to ensure the day’s play ended before Rahim could reach 100. He was stranded on 99 not out, with no overs left to complete the milestone. The tactic, while legal, sparked debate about sportsmanship versus strategy.
Who was Ireland’s standout performer in the match?
Off-spinner Andy McBrine was Ireland’s only consistent threat, taking all four wickets to fall — including key batsmen Shadman Islam and captain Najmul Hossain Shanto. His 4/72 in 29 overs kept Bangladesh from building a massive lead, and his accuracy under pressure was the highlight for the visitors.
How did the pitch conditions affect the game?
The Shere Bangla National Stadium pitch offered swing early on and sharp turn for spinners later. Despite this, Bangladesh’s top order, especially Rahim and Mominul Haque, adapted well, using patience over power. The pitch is expected to deteriorate further on Day 3, favoring spinners and making batting increasingly difficult.
What’s the significance of this match in the Bangladesh-Ireland Test series?
This is only the second Test between the two sides in the 2025 series, and Bangladesh’s strong position — 292/4 with Rahim still batting — puts them in control. Ireland, lacking experience at this level, now face a tough task chasing a likely 300+ target. The result could determine whether Bangladesh continue their upward trajectory in Test cricket.
How did Mominul Haque contribute to Bangladesh’s innings?
Mominul Haque scored a patient 62 off 112 balls, anchoring the middle order after early losses. His half-century came in 93 balls with four boundaries — a classic Test innings that allowed Rahim to play with freedom. His partnership with Rahim, worth 92 runs, was the backbone of Bangladesh’s recovery on Day 1.
What’s next for Mushfiqur Rahim after this match?
Rahim has not announced his retirement, and with Bangladesh still batting on Day 3, he has another opportunity to reach 100. Even if he doesn’t, his 100th Test has already secured his place in cricket history. He’s the most-capped Bangladeshi batter and the only one to play 100 Tests — a landmark that transcends any single score.
