Shadman, Mahmudul and Mushfiqur Rahim are having a good week!

WEB DESK: Bangladesh cricket fans have plenty to smile about this week as Shadman Islam, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, and Mushfiqur Rahim all make headlines for stellar performances and milestones. The Bangladesh Vs Ireland matches are bringing lots of achievements for the trio and there’s more to come.

The historic spotlight shines brightest on Mushfiqur Rahim, who is set to reach a landmark 100 Test caps in the second match of Bangladesh’s two-Test series against Ireland. Originally, the visitors were set on playing just one Test in Bangladesh, but after discussions with the BCB, both boards agreed on a two-match affair.

The opening Test is underway in Sylhet (Nov 10-14), while Mushfiqur’s century of caps is slated for the Dhaka Test from Nov 18-22. The veteran wicketkeeper-batter, who debuted at just 18 at Lord’s in 2005, is Bangladesh’s only player with over 6,000 Test runs, including a record 219 against Zimbabwe.

Meanwhile, Shadman Islam and Mahmudul Hasan Joy have been putting on a show of their own in Sylhet. On the second morning of the first Test, the openers crafted unbeaten fifties, taking Bangladesh to 109 for 0 at lunch, still 177 runs behind Ireland’s 286. Shadman’s eight stylish fours and a towering six complemented Mahmudul’s crisp cover drives and a midwicket six, as the pair stitched together a commanding century stand.

Ireland’s innings, highlighted by Paul Stirling and Cade Carmichael fifties, ultimately fizzled, thanks to steady spells from Mehidy Hasan Miraz (3 wickets) and key breakthroughs from Taijul Islam and Hasan Mahmud, though five catches went begging.

With Bangladesh’s bowlers holding their own and the openers providing a solid platform, the home side is well-positioned to fight back in the series; and after the Tests, Bangladesh will transition to a three-match T20 series against Ireland, with games in Chattogram (Nov 27, 29) and Dhaka (Dec 2), keeping the momentum alive for this sizzling week.