Bangladesh put up a dominant performance to beat Ireland by 10 wickets in the third ODI at Stormont, Belfast. The visitors chased down Ireland’s meagre total of 179 runs with ease, finishing the match in just 22.2 overs.
Ireland, who won the toss and elected to bat first, got off to a slow start, losing opener Paul Stirling for a duck in the first over. Andy Balbirnie and Harry Tector tried to stabilise the innings, but the hosts kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Balbirnie top-scored with 55 runs, but it was not enough to prevent Ireland from being bowled out for 178 in 46.4 overs.
Bangladesh’s bowlers were the star performers, with Mustafizur Rahman and Mehidy Hasan Miraz taking three wickets each, while Shakib Al Hasan and Taskin Ahmed chipped in with two wickets apiece.
In response, Bangladesh got off to a flying start, with Liton Das and Mohammad Naim taking advantage of Ireland’s lacklustre bowling attack. The duo put up a 180-run partnership, with Liton scoring an unbeaten 102 runs off 97 balls, while Naim remained not out on 73 off 96 balls.
The win gave Bangladesh a 2-1 lead in the five-match ODI series, with two matches remaining. Bangladesh will be looking to seal the series in the fourth ODI, while Ireland will be hoping to bounce back and level the series.
Bangladesh has been in good form in limited-overs cricket, having won their last five ODI series. The team’s star all-rounder, Shakib Al Hasan, has been in top form, scoring runs and taking wickets in almost every match. The team also boasts of a strong batting line-up, with the likes of Tamim Iqbal, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Liton Das.
Ireland, on the other hand, has struggled in recent times, with their form dipping in both ODI and T20 cricket. The team has been missing the services of their experienced players, such as Kevin O’Brien and Boyd Rankin, due to injuries.
In conclusion, Bangladesh’s dominant performance in the third ODI against Ireland shows their strength in limited-overs cricet. The team will be looking to continue their winning streak and seal the series in the fourth ODI. On the other hand, Ireland will need to improve their performance if they hope to bounce back and level the series.
