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DUBLIN – Half-centuries from Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das and Shakib Al Hasan – paired with a five-wicket haul from Abu Jayed – propelled Bangladesh to a comfortable six wicket over Ireland in the concluding group game of the Walton ODI Tri-Series at Clontarf Cricket Club today.
Earlier, Paul Stirling registered a fine 130 in the first innings, which was ably assisted by a timely return to form for captain, William Porterfield, who contributed 94. They provided the backbone of the Ireland innings, which got up to a respectable 292-8 in their 50 over allocation.

Following the early loss of James McCollum, the in-form Andrew Balbirnie joined Stirling at the crease, with the pair showing a lot of early intent. Stirling hit similar hooked sixes off Rubel Hossain in the first seven overs to get Ireland off to a positive start. Balbirnie looked in fine touch once again and had breezed to 20 without any sort of fuss, before being adjudged caught behind when attempting a pull shot.

This brought the captain, Porterfield, to the crease. He was watchful to start as the Bangladesh bowling in the middle overs was tight and disciplined, but with more and more time in the middle, the captain’s confidence grew. The pair kept ticking the scoreboard over until the second drinks break at the 38 over mark, whereupon both players tried break lose. Stirling was soon through to his hundred much to the delight of the home fans in Clontarf, and celebrated by kneeling on the Clontarf pitch as much in relief as joy.

CENTURY! @stirlo90 brings up his 8th ODI hundred for Ireland. #BackingGreen pic.twitter.com/9FcnOe6WnX

— Cricket Ireland (@Irelandcricket) May 15, 2019

Porterfield was not quite as lucky, finding deep extra cover’s hands on 94. The partnership between Stirling and Porterfield was the highest for any wicket against a Full Member, and Ireland’s highest third-wicket partnership in ODIs.

Porterfield’s dismissal didn’t halt the momentum though as Stirling took Shakib Al Hasan, who has been so tight with his bowling in this series, for 23 in the 46th over. It was brute force and brilliant timing, clearing the ropes four times in his mammoth innings.

Kevin O’Brien and Stirling both holed out in consecutive overs as they desperately surged for more late runs. It was left for small cameos from Gary Wilson and Mark Adair to take Ireland up to 292-8 at the conclusion. Abu Jayed starred with the ball for Bangladesh, taking 5-58.

Image: Boyd Rankin claimed 2-48

In response, Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das opened the batting for Bangladesh and got off to a good start, cantering to 58-0 after the first ten overs – a half chance to Wilson off Tamim was the only chance of note. Tamim had just brought up a well-deserved 50 when he chopped on off Boyd Rankin for 57. Das was similar, having reached an excellent 76, he was deceived by a McCarthy yorker to be bowled also.

The two wickets didn’t stem the flow of runs though, with Shakib Al Hasan joined by Mushfiqir Rahim and they looked to continue their good form from the previous games in this tri-series. Rahim looked particularly good, until he feathered one down the legside to depart for 35, courtesy of a brilliant take from Gary Wilson behind the stumps.

Shakib Al Hasan completed his half-century but due to a side strain, he had to retire hurt soon after. This left Mahmudullah and Mossadek Hossain at the crease and they continued knocking off the runs very cleverly, showing a variety of deft touches with the occasional piece of power. However, Mossadek was too deft one too many times and deflected an intended dab to third man to Wilson off Adair, who was more than value for his wicket.

Unfortunately for Ireland, the end was nigh and a Sabbir Rahman four sealed the six-wicket win for Bangladesh. Mahmudullah ended on 35 not out.

Speaking after the game, captain William Porterfield said:

“It’s pleasing to spend some time in the middle. I haven’t felt particularly out of touch but it’s a performance industry and I knew I had to score runs. It’s not just one offs we are looking forward so we’ll go again next week [against Afghanistan].”

“The runs have been shared around which is nice and everyone is starting to click and putting in performances. I don’t think it’s that far away and if we manage to get 95/100 overs together against Afghanistan, I think we will beat them.”

Bangladesh will now meet West Indies in the Final of the Walton ODI Tri-Series Final on Friday. Tickets available at the gate, with children under-16 free entry.

SCORECARD IN BRIEF

Ireland v Bangladesh, one-day international, 15 May 2019, Clontarf Cricket Club

Ireland 292-8 (50 overs; P Stirling 130, W Porterfield 94; A Jayed 5-58)
Bangladesh 294-4 (43 overs; L Das 76, T Iqbal 57; B Rankin 2-48)

Bangladesh won by 6 wickets

A full scorecard can be found here

Andrew Blair White
Stirling hit 130 from 141 balls
No
Connaught