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SHANTO HAILS ‘OUTSTANDING’ MURAD AND JOY
Credits entire team for Sylhet triumph
Muhammad Jubair, Sylhet
Published: 15 Nov 2025
PHOTO : TANVIN TAMIM
Bangladesh’s innings-and-47-run victory over Ireland in the first Test at Sylhet was not just a show of dominance — it was a platform where two players, at very different stages of their careers, shone brightly. Captain Najmul Hossain Shanto lauded debutant Hasan Murad and returning opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy for their “outstanding” and “very positive” contributions, underscoring how both played pivotal roles in the convincing win.
Murad, the left-arm spinner who had waited patiently on the sidelines after missing several recent series, delivered immediately upon his long-awaited debut. “He plays first-class cricket every year and performs consistently,” Shanto said. “His stats are very good, and to show that much patience in a place like Bangladesh as a spinner is a big deal. The way he bowled after coming in was worth watching.” Murad claimed four wickets in Ireland’s second innings to finish with six for the match, helping Bangladesh wrap up the visitors with precision and composure.
At the top of the order, Joy made a resounding return after being dropped, compiling a superb 171 in Bangladesh’s imposing first-innings total of 587.
“Coming back after being dropped and playing such a big innings in the first match was actually very tough for him,” Shanto said.
“But the way he batted, it didn’t even feel like he was making a comeback. That’s a positive aspect. I think Joy has made a lot of changes to his mindset, and I hope he continues playing with this mentality against all teams in the future.”
Shanto also emphasised the collective effort behind the victory, particularly praising the bowlers for their discipline on what he described as a batting-friendly Sylhet wicket. “I will give credit to the batters here, and especially to the bowlers too,” he said. “In international cricket — especially Test cricket — it’s always challenging. Joy’s 170, Mominul bhai’s 80, Shadman’s 80 — every one of those shots required execution. If the execution wasn’t there, they would’ve gotten out.” Reflecting on past setbacks at the venue, Shanto noted that Bangladesh had previously lost a Test in Sylhet to Zimbabwe, making disciplined execution even more crucial this time.
“As a batting unit or a bowling unit, we needed to execute the plan in every area,” he said. “The fact that we were able to do it is not because of the opponent — it wouldn’t have been possible without proper skill or the right mentality. So I think the credit should be given to the entire batting and bowling unit.”