Ireland Tri-Series Match 3, Ireland vs Bangladesh: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Bangladesh couldn’t have asked for a better start to their British summer. Their bowlers clicked, their batsmen were unstoppable, and their resounding eight-wicket win over West Indies on Tuesday would have sent shivers down Ireland’s spine.

The hosts are set to take on Bangladesh at The Village, Malahide on Thursday. Given they were trundled by West Indies in the tournament opener, Ireland will know they are up against it.

The challenge for Bangladesh is not really a challenge – it is to maintain the same standards throughout the series. There was only ever one problem area for them in their opener – it was the lack of early wickets, which allowed West Indies to post 205/2, thanks to Shai Hope’s belligerent century.

However, their pacemen showed plenty of gumption to fight back from there – they triggered a collapse and West Indies were kept to 261/9. Half-centuries from Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar and Shakib Al Hasan – the top three – ensured the chase was never in doubt.

Ireland will need to displayed marked improvement. They have severe problem in that their pacers only seem to be able to delivery in pitches that have substantial assistance. Their batsmen, meanwhile, have been directionless and need the seniors to stand up and deliver. Kevin Kevin O’Brien did that to some extent, but he needs support.

All in all, Ireland have work to do, and will need to be wary of being caught up in Bangladesh’s determination to tune-up for the World Cup 2019.

Head to head

Bangladesh and Ireland have clashed 9 times in all. Bangladesh have won 6 of these. Of Ireland’s 2 wins – one was a no-result – one has come at home, against at Belfast in 2010. This doesn’t bode well for the home side.

Key players

Kevin O’Brien (Ireland): O’Brien was Ireland’s saving grace in the trouncing by West Indies. He was the only player who reached a half-century. He will need support, and if he can some of that, he may well likely get another big score. The team could desperately use the boost.

Shakib Al Hasan (Bangladesh): Shakib looked unstoppable in Bangladesh’s opener, both with bat and ball. He conceded just 33 runs in his 10 overs, taking a wicket en route, before hammering an unbeaten half-century in their win. Ireland will be wary.

Likely XIs

Ireland: William Porterfield (c), Paul Stirling, Andy Balbirnie, Lorcan Tucker, Kevin O’Brien, Gary Wilson (wk), George Dockrell, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Tim Murtagh, Josh Little.

Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal, Soumya Sarkar, Shakib Al Hasan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mohammad Mithun, Mahmudullah, Sabbir Rahman, Mohammad Saifuddin, Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Mustafizur Rahman.

Prediction

Bangladesh to make it two wins in two.