da leao： Bangladesh are wary of the threat Ireland pose but will bank on the confidence of a thumping win over West Indies
da brdice： The preview by Mohammad Isam08-May-2019Big pictureBangladesh’s eight-wicket win over West Indies in their tri-series opener was the kind of all-round performance most captains and coaches prefer, and Mashrafe Mortaza and Steven Rhodes would think the same. But, given their indifferent results away from home in the last few years, Bangladesh are aware that even a lesser-known opposition, particularly with a home advantage, can be a handful. They are, therefore, unlikely to take Ireland lightly.The eight-wicket win over West Indies was led by a good fightback by the Bangladesh bowlers, who took the last seven wickets for 56 runs. Mashrafe Mortaza got crucial wickets in his final spell, while Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz helped Bangladesh control the middle overs. The 144-run opening stand between Tamim Iqbal and Soumya Sarkar then set up the 262-run chase, before Shakib ran hard and struck the ball well to complete the win.Against Ireland, Bangladesh will hope their bowling can come together again, particularly Mustafizur Rahman, who has conceded 93 and 84 in his last two ODIs.Ireland, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back from successive ODI losses, to England and then West Indies. There was little they could do against Shai Hope and John Campbell’s massive opening stand in the tri-series opener, but against England they did show some fight. The hosts would, however, be a little worried about their batting form, with scores of under 200 in both matches. William Porterfield and Paul Stirling will be tasked with giving them another good start while Andy Balbirnie, their top-scorer in 2019 so far, Kevin O’Brien and Gary Wilson add experience to their middle-order.They could once again play five bowlers, with George Dockrell as the lone spinner. They may choose to go with a bit more pace in their line-up although the Malahide pitches would also suit seamers who can move the ball in the air. Barry McCarthy and Tim Murtagh have taken 13 and 11 wickets at this venue.Form guideIreland LLWLW (Last five completed matches, most recent first)
Bangladesh WLLLWIn the spotlightPaul Stirling’s first-ball duck shouldn’t be of much concern, given his experience at this level, but there has been a dip in his form over the last couple of months. He didn’t score a fifty for Middlesex in the Royal London Cup, and his last ODI half-century was against Afghanistan in March.Over the last four years, Tamim has scored eight fifties in an ODI chase. Of these, Bangladesh won the match on seven instances. His role as an anchor is crucial to top-order success, but he also has the capability to go all-out if the situation demands.Team newsBoyd Rankin is an option for Ireland, with Mark Adair going for plenty against West Indies. They also have Andrew McBrine and James McCollum to call upon, if they are looking to make more changes.Ireland (probable): 1 William Porterfield (capt), 2 Paul Stirling, 3 Andy Balbirnie, 4 Lorcan Tucker, 5 Kevin O’Brien, 6 Gary Wilson (wk), 7 George Dockrell, 8 Tim Murtagh, 9 Barry McCarthy, 10 Josh Little, 11 Boyd RankinBangladesh are unlikely to change their line-up from the previous game against West Indies.Bangladesh (probable): 1 Tamim Iqbal, 2 Soumya Sarkar, 3 Shakib Al Hasan, 4 Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), 5 Mohammad Mithun, 6 Mahmudullah, 7 Sabbir Rahman, 8 Mohamad Saifuddin, 9 Mehidy Hasan, 10 Mashrafe Mortaza (capt), 11 Mustafizur RahmanPitch and conditionsRain is forecast in Dublin, coupled with windy conditions. The Malahide pitches will continue to be helpful to seamers but as with most venues in that part of the world, if the new ball can be nullified, batting is likely to be comfortable.Stats and trivia If they are fit, both William Porterfield and Paul Stirling will play their 61st ODI in a row. Porterfield has also led in every one of these games, having last missed an ODI more than four years ago. Bangladesh have won six out of the nine ODIs against Ireland, with their last meeting also taking place in Malahide two years ago.Quotes”I was playing an international match after six months. There was a bit of nervousness. The practice match helped me get back into the groove. It gave me confidence. But I am relieved to start well. I want to continue this way.”
