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Walton Tri-nation Series

Tigers confront host Ireland in dead rubber


Published : 14 May 2019 09:23 PM | Updated : 06 Sep 2020 03:25 PM

Having already securing a place in the final of Walton tri-nation series, Bangladesh will face off against Ireland at the Clontarf Cricket Club ground today (Wednesday). The match is scheduled to start at 3:45 pm. This match has therefore, turned into a dead rubber after both Bangladesh and West Indies have confirmed their final berth. However, Bangladesh will still be looking to continue their winning run and will also be reluctant to show any kind of complacency against the Irish.

There might be a lot of changes in the Bangladesh roster as some key players might be rested for the final. Tigers have performed consistently in all departments of the game in this series. Especially, they have vastly improved in the bowling sector, with pacers getting their act together. Pace man Mustafizur Rahman stole the limelight amid criticism with four-for in the last match against Windies. Batting has significantly improved as well.

Bangladesh won both of their matches against Windies in emphatic fashion, while the first match against Ireland was washed out due to heavy rain. Tigers top the table so far with 10 points from 3 matches. Windies on the other hand, won both of their matches against Ireland in comprehensive manner but suffered heavy defeats to Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh skipper Mashrafe refused to feel complacent despite sealing the final. “Getting to the final was the most important thing. The boys are a bit relaxed, but we still have two matches left, and we’ll go hard, and see how it goes in the final,” he said. The top order fired in the two completed games but what would make Bangladesh worried to some extent that the lower middle lower remain untested so far as they didn’t have enough scope to bat. In the dead-rubber Bangladesh may ensure some cricket for the untested lower middle order.

Amid a near perfect game, the only bother of spot was Abu Jayed Rahi’s dismal bowling performance against Windies. Rahi went wicket-less, giving away 56 runs in his nine-over spell. Against Ireland, Bangladesh could look to give any of Liton Das, Mosaddek Hossain or Yasir Ali a nod, but they will also be mindful of the fact that Sabbir Rahman hasn't had a proper chance to bat despite playing both matches. The bowlers, who have done well in both games against the Windies, could get a rest ahead of a busy schedule. The team management might have to assess the match fitness and form of Taskin Ahmed and Rubel Hossain, and maybe have a look at Nayeem Hasan and Farhad Reza.