Published: May 11, 2017, 11:00 AM (IST)
Edited: May 11, 2017, 11:21 AM (IST)
April 15, 2007: It was match 42 (Super Eight stage) of ICC World Cup 2007. The viewership of the mega event did not boast of strong numbers by then. The chief reason were the early exits of two heavyweight sides, in form of India and Pakistan. The arch-rivals had been eliminated and were probably watching the proceedings in the Caribbean from home. The two teams who ensured an early flight for both India and Pakistan were Bangladesh and Ireland respectively. While Bangladesh got the better of Big Brother India; Pakistan’s faltered against Ireland (playing their first World Cup) and thereby succumbed to a horrifying campaign. After beating two title-contenders, Bangladesh locked horns with Ireland to keep their World Cup campaign on course. Full Cricket Scorecard, Bangladesh vs Ireland, 1st ODI, Tri-Nation series, Dublin
Kensington Oval, Barbados played host to Ireland and Bangladesh for this encounter. It wasn’t a ‘packed-house’ as most anticipated a high-voltage India-Pakistan clash. However, that wasn’t the case. The two ‘nothing-to-lose-teams’ showed up on the field to prove that they belong to the big stage and their past glories should not be termed as a ‘fluke’. Ireland opted to bat and posted 243 for 7. In reply, Bangladesh’s chase was halted by regular inroads made by Boyd Rankin and skipper Trent Johnston. Ireland prevailed by 74 runs. This was their first clash versus the Asian side.
Since then, both Ireland and Bangladesh have played 6 more games. The win ratio is in favour of the latter (71. 42 per cent). The subcontinental side have toured Irishmen only once. The inconsequential two-match ODI series ended in a draw.
Cut to 2017, both sides meet again at The Village, Dublin for the Tri-Nation series opener (New Zealand being the third team). Bangladesh certainly hold an edge. They have become a resurgent force after reaching the quarter-final stage of ICC World Cup 2015, and in the past they have beaten the likes of India, Pakistan, South Africa (at home). In addition, the visitors have also qualified for the forthcoming ICC Champions Trophy after a decade.
On the other hand, Ireland have been cutting a sorry figure for far too long. After entering the world stage by beating sides like Pakistan, England, Bangladesh, West Indies, they have failed to make most of the platform they made for themselves. This has primarily been due to injuries to big players, poor show with the ball and largely due to playing less frequently.
The last series for Bangladesh resulted in an intense draw against Sri Lanka. On the other hand, Ireland fell apart to Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan and his googlies in Greater Noida before being whitewashed against England in the recently-concluded two-match series. Ireland need to pick the lying pieces and take a leaf from their opponents who have come a long way in international cricket.
The agendas for both sides are poles apart. The tourists will be eager to warm-up well ahead of the all-important ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in England and Wales. Meanwhile, Ireland are pressing hard for a Test status and need to lift their ODI form to get approval from ICC of playing in whites.
The key players from visitors’ camp will be Mushfiqur Rahim, Taskin Ahmed, Tamim Iqbal and Shakib Al Hasan. However, they will be without skipper, Mashrafe Mortaza, who is facing a one-match ban. Ireland will bank upon William Porterfield, Paul Stirling, Gary Wilson, O’Brien brothers and Barry McCarthy. The conditions will favour Bangladesh’s bowlers but it will be up to their batsmen to counter totally alien conditions.
Needless to say, a winning start to a new tournament will be the key. Both sides will be eager to get some points under their belt and start off in a desired fashion.
Squads:
Ireland: William Porterfield (c), Andy Balbirnie, Peter Chase, George Dockrell, Ed Joyce, Barry McCarthy. Tim Murtagh, Kevin O’Brien, Niall O’Brien (wk), Simi Singh, Paul Stirling, Stuart Thompson, Gary Wilson (wk), Craig Young
Bangladesh: Mashrafe Mortaza (c), Imrul Kayes, Mahmudullah, Mehedi Hasan, Mosaddek Hossain, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mustafizur Rahman, Nasir Hossain, Nurul Hasan, Rubel Hossain, Sabbir Rahman, Shafiul Islam, Shakib Al Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Subashis Roy, Sunzamul Islam, Tamim Iqbal, Taskin Ahmed
Time: 3:15 PM | 09:45 AM GMT
