Preview
Group B Match
Bangladesh versus Ireland
Venue: Sher-e-Bangla Cricket Stadium, Mirpur
Start Time: 14:00(IST)
The Friday’s encounter between a side that has graduated to another level and another in process of doing so is a crucial one for home team Bangladesh after defeated by India in opening game.
A loss to Ireland would make berth in knock-out stages mighty difficult for the side that was oozing with confidence before India game.
Ireland, on its part, would like to enhance its reputation by causing an upset or two as they did in 2007 edition and Bangladesh might be in their sight this time around.
With pitch expected to favour spinners and Bangladesh having plenty of them in their squad, it is the home side that start as favourites for this all important tie.
Bangladesh
Batsmen displayed a good performance against Indian bowlers with Shakib and Tamim scoring well compiled fifties. Bangladesh need their services again to lift the team and return of Mohammad Ashraful to the playing eleven should boost the batting line-up.
Opener Imrul Kayes looked in terrific form during his brief stay at the crease and would like to translate his form into some big runs.
What makes this team a dangerous one is their spin bowler’s militia. It seems all the cricketers in Bangladesh have one common thing- how to bowl spin. In addition to the part time options of Mohammad Ashraful and Naeemul Islam, Bangladesh have four frontline spinners with seasoned left arm Abdur Razzaq leading the pack.
Spin and fast bowling department was taken to cleaners by Sehwag and company and Shakib would hope for a better performance from them.
The Squad: Shakib-al-Hassan, Mohammad Ashraful, Tamim Iqbal, Shahriyar Nafees, Junaid Siddique, Imrul Kayes, Raqibul Hassan, Mushfiqur Rahim (wkt), Naeemul Islam, Shafi-ul-Islam, Mohammad Sohrawardi, Nazmul Hossian, Rubel Hossian, Mahmudullah and Abdur Razzak.
Coach: Jamie Siddons
Ireland
Ask Pakistan players what Ireland can do on its day if you underestimate them. Pakistan underestimated them in 2007 world cup and had to pay the price. A loss to Irish side meant early round exit from the tournament.
The team doesn’t rely on an individual but believes in strong work ethics and team work.
True to their sports culture, it is the never say die attitude that makes this outfit a one to watch out for. In the build up to this world cup, skipper, William Porterfield has maintained that his side isn’t participating in the tournament only to make up the numbers but will try to score some wins over top teams.
Losing Eoin Morgan to England was an irreparable loss but not the end of the world. The side has some quality limited overs batsman in skipper William Porterfield, young gun Paul Stirling and Ed Joyce.
Stirling, many believe, is the talent to watch out for scoring heavily against the lower ranked sides.
In the middle likes of Nail O Brien, his brother Kevin and experienced Trent Johnston will try to build on the good base provided by the top order.
To get over the middle overs, when spinners come to bowl, will be biggest challenge of the batsmen.
Bowling will be led by tall and strappy big frame of Boyd Rankin. He will be complimented by the medium pace of Kevin and Johnston.
Spin department will be led by Andre Botha, but all eyes will be on young talented left arm spinner, George Dockrell, who has impressed many by his action, control and variation.
The Squad: William Porterfield (Capt), Albert Vander Merwe, Alex Cusack, Ed Joyce, George Dockrell, Kevin O’ Brien, Boyd Rankin, John Mooney, Paul Stirling, Trent Johnston, Andre Botha, Andrew White, Nigel Jones, Gary Wilson, Niall O’Brien
Coach: Phil Simmons
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