Bangladesh and Ireland are set to face off in the second one-day international at Chelmsford on May 12 at 3:45 PM BD time. Unfortunately, the first ODI between these two teams was abandoned due to rain. As a result, South Africa has secured a direct qualification for the World Cup, benefiting from the outcome. Despite their efforts, even if Ireland manages to win the remaining matches in the series, they will not secure a direct spot in the World Cup. However, that does not mean that they will show an ignorant attitude for the next two matches. Let's see what to expect in the 2023 IRE vs BAN second ODI.
Ireland vs Bangladesh 1st ODI Result
Bangladesh has been accompanied by rain since going to England, and the first ODI was the same too. Bangladesh team wanted to celebrate Mushfiqur Rahim's birthday with a win. But the rain did not allow that wish to be fulfilled.
Last Tuesday (May 9) in Chelmsford, England, Bangladesh lost the toss and went into bat and scored 246 runs for 9 wickets. In reply, Ireland did not get a chance to score more than 65 runs for 3 wickets in 16.3 overs due to rain. Later, the match was declared abandoned as the game was not played on the field.
Read More: Bangladesh-Ireland ODI series starts with a washout
Ireland's openers Stephen Doheny and Paul Stirling got off to bat with a target of 247 runs. However, Stalling was caught by Shariful after 22 runs. After Stirling's departure, Balbirnie quickly returned. The right-handed batsman was bowled in the in-swing by Hasan Mahmud after the team scored 27 runs.
The Irish team found themselves in a tight spot as they lost a couple of early wickets, increasing the pressure on them. Subsequently, spinner Taijul Islam claimed the dismissal of Doheny. Shariful and Hassan started to hold down the Irish after getting a quick wicket. But then the rain hit.
Earlier, Bangladesh lost the toss and went into batting, lost 9 wickets, and collected 246 runs on the scorecard. Mushfiqur scored the highest 61 runs for Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh did not start well in batting. In the opening over, Josh Little came into the attack. A Yorker in the off stump on the fourth delivery of his over hit Litton's pads straight and it was an out. Litton had to return without scoring after playing just one ball. Further, Tamim Iqbal could last long. He scored 14 runs from 19 balls.
Read More: BAN v IRE 1st ODI: Tigers restricted to modest total batting first
Despite Bangladesh having a chance to regain momentum during the middle overs, Towhid Hridoy, Shakib Al Hasan, and Shanto failed to capitalize on their promising starts and convert them into substantial innings. Shakib Al Hasan, known for his reliability, fell victim to Hume's bowling when he attempted a reckless shot. Shanto seemed to be in excellent form, but unfortunately, he mistimed a delivery from Curtis Campher, resulting in a straightforward catch for Mark Adair.
Then Mushfiqur Rahim came to bat. On his 36th birthday, Mushfiqur Rahim showcased his skills in front of a passionate crowd of over 3000 predominantly Bangladeshi fans. He notched up a well-deserved half-century for his team. Alongside him, Najmul Hossain Shanto contributed with a commendable 44 runs.
Despite their efforts, Bangladesh couldn't collect a challenging total on the scoreboard. The foundation of Bangladesh's innings was built upon Mushfiqur Rahim's fifty, with Shanto playing a supportive role in the process.
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IRE vs BAN 2nd ODI Preview
In the first match, Bangladesh couldn't collect a big score. That's why the primary goal of the Tamim Iqbal-led team was to prevent Ireland from building a strong base. Both the pacers of the Tigers bowled well in the beginning, using the advantage of the wicket for that purpose.
So, the Tigers will need to follow this approach in the next match even if they collect a big score. Further, both teams will need to focus on the field. The shape of the field at Chelmsford is also worth seeing, as one side is small, and the other side is big. Players will have to be tactical in such a field.
Bangladesh will also need to focus on how the team will be coordinated in this condition. However, with Shakib Al Hasan and Mehidy Hasan Miraz in the team, Bangladesh does not have to think much about coordination as Miraz is now a pure batsman. He has Test and ODI centuries, and we can call him an all-rounder. So is Shakib. Hence, Bangladesh is very lucky that they can play an extra batsman or bowler if needed. That's a luxury for any team.
Read More: IRE vs BAN ODI Series 2023: Bangladesh Squad Analysis
On the other hand, Irish bowlers did very well in the first match. They will need to keep it up and put more pressure on Bangladeshi batters. However, they will need to focus on batting as they lost three wickets in the first 15 overs.
Probable Playing XI for Bangladesh Team
Tamim Iqbal (c), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, Ebadot Hossain.
Probable Playing XI for Ireland Team
Stephen Doheny, Paul Stirling, Batting Allrounder, Andy Balbirnie (c), Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Graham Hume, Josh Little.
Read More: Bangladesh cricket team departs for England tonight
Key Players to Watch
Mushfiqur Rahim
Mushfiqur has had a great form lately. While the established batsmen failed to play long innings in the last match, Mushfiqur Rahim took the lead. With his half-century, Bangladesh marked it. But when more runs were needed on the scoreboard, he was caught out while hitting Little. The last established batsman fell on his departure in the 45th over. Mushfiqur made 61 off 70 balls before departing. It had 6 fours. So, fans can expect that Mushi will play another great inning in the second match.
Josh Little
Josh Little is a star bowler for the Irish, and he proved that too. The left-handed pacer, who played in the IPL as Ireland's first cricketer, gave the team success in the first over with a great delivery and dismissed Litton Das by LBW with a superb yorker off the fourth ball. He took 3 wickets for 61 runs for the Irish, and he started getting great movement from the first ball. So, he might play a great role in stopping the Bangladeshi batters.
Final Words
The first one-day game held at the Chelmsford venue was abandoned without a clear indication of which team had the chance to win. However, we anticipate that the more experienced Bangladesh side will emerge victorious in the second ODI as the game is taking place at the same venue.
Read More: Bangladesh Tour of Ireland 2023: Venue, Schedule, Fixtures, Previous Records.
Nonetheless, the Irish team displayed an admirable performance in the first match, indicating that we can anticipate a close contest in the IRE vs. BAN 2nd ODI 2023.