Ireland Tri-Series Match 5, Bangladesh vs West Indies: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Bangladesh have a chance to secure a spot in the Tri-Nation Series final when they take on West Indies on Monday, May 13. The last time these two sides met, Bangladesh excelled in all departments to secure a comfortable eight-wicket victory in what was their first match of the series.

However, they were unable to build on their strong foundations after their second match, against Ireland, was washed out in Dublin. That prompted some ire from the Bangladesh management that the points structure of the series favoured the weaker sides, with the propensity for the matches in these parts to be washed out.

However, they head into their third clash with the chance to seal their place in the final. And they look good to do that too – their core of Mashrafe Mortaza, Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim all did well in the opener, and there was encouraging support form the likes of Soumya Sarkar, Mohammad Saifuddin and Mustafizur Rahman. 

More of the same will be expected, especially given the necessity for all players to stay in fine form ahead of the World Cup 2019.

West Indies, meanwhile, did well to bounce back from that trouncing at the hands of Bangladesh to secure a five-wicket victory over Ireland in their second match of the series. Sunil Ambris joined his opening partner Shai Hope in the century list, and that helped them settle a fairly trick chase of 327/5. The question is, has that victory boosted them enough to test a Bangladesh side who looked in sublime touch in the opener? 

We’ll know more on Monday.

Head to head

Bangladesh and West Indies have clashed 35 times in ODIs over the years. It’s a rivalry dominated by the Windies – they’ve 21 times and lost just 12. However, the record is a lot closer over the last ten years – in 22 matches, Bangladesh have beaten them 12 times. Overall, in the five matches they’ve played in a neutral venue, Bangladesh have won just once – earlier this series.K

Key players

Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh): Iqbal’s role is key for Bangladesh. When he is on song, the opposition is on the back foot early. When he’s not, there is more pressure on the middle order. Iqbal was in form in the series opener against West Indies, scoring a fine 80 runs. West Indies will need to get him out early. 

Shannon Gabriel (West Indies): Gabriel was a surprise inclusion in the West Indies squad for the World Cup, and Jason Holder, the captain, said it was due to his ability to be the enforcer in the middle overs. However, he is a wicket-taker too. He has three matches this series – of the seven Windies have taken in all – and he will be a threat Bangladesh can’t take lightly.

Likely XIs

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

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 their place in the final.