What could be a fascinating contest on a green top grass covered surface under heavy condition on a chilly day at Dublin culminated into frustrating weather wash out.
Bangladesh unaccustomed to play in such condition had its back to the wall after put into bat was reeling at 9/2 and 70/4 before two faithful servants of Bangladesh cricket Tamim and Mahmudullah carried out an excellent rescue act with an unbeaten 87 runs enterprising 5th wicket partnership. With two of the most experienced professionals firmly anchored and 18.5 overs still to play a score of 270-280 was still on the card. If that happened Bangladesh with a very strong bowling unit could have put the home side to test. But that did not happen. Sky opened up. Heavy rain washed out the match. With one of the six matches being ended without decision and more rain in the forecast throughout the rest of the week the tri nation series turns into an intriguing contest.
Earlier in the morning Irish Captain Poterfield had no hesitation in putting Bangladesh to bat after winning the toss. The sky was dark, the grass was green, and his green army had five experienced operators of the condition. Bangladesh started disastrously losing Soumya and Sabbir by 4th over with only 9 on the board. Young blaster Soumya had no clue of the way veteran Muztagh and local boy Chase was moving the ball. Chase pitched one on length and moved it. Soumya obligingly nicked behind without moving his feet to three balls. On such a wicket after early loss blaster Sabbir was a wrong choice to come at number despite of his hundred in the warm up match. He was three for three deliveries. One struck him on the back of the helmet, second he just defended, and third he succumbed trying playing an atrocious stroke. Chase had two in two overs and was looking good for few more. Mushfiq joined Tamim. The pair appeared settled playing balls to their merit. Porterfield had to change the bowling introducing McCarthy into the attack. For reasons better known to Mushfiq he tried driving a ball which was not there. He left after scoring only 13. Shakib was looking good with some crisp strokes .But he too threw his wicket chasing a wide delivery from Chase after scoring back to back fours of the previous two balls. Bangladesh was looking down the barrel at 70/4 when Mahmudullah joined Tamim watching one way dug out bound traffic from the other end.
Two seasoned campaigners rose to the occasion playing very sensibly. The strikes were regularly rotated. The left and right combination threw Irish bowlers off guard. They lost the initiative. The pair played some delightful strokes in between when width was offered. Slowly and assuredly they rescued the team from the depth of despair to a stability of assurance. At 157/4 on 31.1 over and an unbeaten 87 runs in the fifth wicket was leading to a reasonable and defendable score of 250 plus. If that could happen Bangladesh with strong bowling attack could take serious examination of Irish batting on a helpful strip. But rain came and washed out the match.
Nevertheless, batting of Bangladesh offered a lot to ponder for the team management. Should Sabbir bat at number three in such condition on such a wicket? Is not Mahmudullah a better choice? Why such an experienced player cannot be slotted at his right spot? Soumya also needs a quiet talk. It was possible getting away with Tamim and Riad doing damage control against not too strong Irish bowling attack losing their way. But New Zealand, England and Australia would crush Bangladesh in similar situation. Hope this gives wake up call. Bangladesh top order has not really adjusted yet to English condition.
Ireland Tri-Nation Series - 1st Match
ODI no. 3866 | 2017 season
Played at Malahide, Dublin 12 May 2017
Score Card: Bangladesh 157/4 in 31.1 Overs (Tamim Iqbal 64*, Mahmudullah Riyad 43*, Shakib Al Hasan 14, Mushfiq 13, and Chase 3/33)
Rain washed out the match.
BDST: 0916 HRS, MAY 13, 2017
SI
