Ireland Tri-Series Final, Bangladesh vs West Indies: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

This has been Bangladesh’s tournament so far. They have won all three of their completed matches, all by handsome margins and all-round performances, and are primed to win the tournament and gear up in as best manner as possible ahead of the 2019 World Cup.

However, such is the nature of these tri-series games that, even though they have struggled after a bright start, West Indies have an opportunity to make up for all that with a win in the final in Malahide on Friday, May 17.

However, given the unique circumstances of the World Cup coming up, the final isn’t as important is would have otherwise been. This will be the last full ODI for either side before the tournaments gets under way in under two weeks. And so, this will be the last chance for the teams to sort out and experiment with anything different they’re trying to do.

West Indies haven’t fielded their full-strength squad so far in the tournament for precisely that reason, and hence, won’t be too fussed about the losses against Bangladesh so far. They have tested their bench strength, and will be reasonably happy with what they’ve found.

Bangladesh, meanwhile, have opted for the other tactic – to get their first XI match practice, build their confidence with victories, and get into the groove ahead of the World Cup. Both strategies have merits, of course.

However, Bangladesh could be without Shakib Al Hasan, who sustained a side strain in their last league game. The injury is not thought to be serious, but will Bangladesh risk him ahead of the World Cup?

In the final on Friday, the teams will have the chance to build up some real confidence ahead of the big event – who will grab it?

Head to head

In 36 clashes over the year, Bangladesh have beaten West Indies just 13 times. But that streak has been changing over the last few years – Bangladesh have beaten West Indies in 5 of their last 6 ODIs. Will they add to that streak in the final?

Key players

Abu Jayed (Bangladesh): The 25-year-old heads into the match buoyed by the five-wicket haul he picked up in the final league game against Ireland. It was just his second ODI. He has bowled impressively in these conditions, and a similar performance in a final can do wonders for him ahead of the premier event.

Shai Hope (West Indies): With two centuries and a half-century in four games, Hope is easily West Indies’ big hope in the final, and indeed, at the World Cup. He already has close to 400 runs in the series, and is the leading run-getter, and West Indies will count on him heavily going into the next few months.

Likely XIs

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mahmudullah, Mosaddek Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Rubel Hossain, Abu Jayed, Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Mohammad Saifuddin.

West Indies: Shai Hope (wk), Sunil Ambris, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Jonathan Carter, Jason Holder (c), Fabian Allen, Ashley Nurse, Kemar Roach, Sheldon Cottrell, Shannon Gabriel.

Prediction

Bangladesh to seal victory in what has been a fine tournament from them.