Wow what a weekend of Cricket at the world cup as this weekend matches really did announced the world cup has arrived. The co-host were in action during this weekend and it was a mixed results for then as we saw the best games of the world cup happen.
Firstly, Bangladesh vs Ireland- A game that Bangladesh had to win to have a chance of making the quarter final and they did win but it wasnt without a struggle.
Ireland so nearly got the first shock of the World Cup but it failed in its endeavour to get an upset. Bangladesh, who were bowled out for 205 in the 9th game of the tournament against Ireland came back strongly to bowl the Irish out for 178 to take home the game at Mirpur.
Shakib al Hasan won the toss and decided to bat first on what looked like a decent wicket to bat on. At least, that is what one thought after seeing the openers bat on it. Tamim Iqbal was the chief wrecker and in partnership with Imrul Kayes got off to a second flier in as many games – Bangladesh were 53 in the sixth over.
It was the dismissal of Kayes that led to the fall of two more quick wickets leaving the side struggling at 68/3. The medium-pacers had begun to take the pace off the ball and that meant that the side was struggling to get the runs.
It was a nice little partnership between Mushfiqur Rahim and Raqibul Hasan that brought the Bangladeshis back into the game, ensuring that Ireland had got to 147/4 at one stage. With 17 overs still to go and the Batting Powerplay yet to be taken it did look like 250 would have been achievable if the batsmen could have gone on in the same manner. However, Ireland came back well again through George Dockrell to pick up 2 wickets and the last six wickets for Bangladesh fell for only 58 runs and Bangladesh had collapsed to 205 all out. It was Ireland who were taking wickets at regular intervals which out did Bangladesh in the batting.
The task was always going to be difficult with the pressure of the chase and the crowd support for the Bangladeshis. There were a couple of early wickets but Ed Joyce and Niall O’Bien got the innings back on track with a 39-run stand for the third wicket.
The pair was going great guns when Ashraful was called up to ball. In a spell of nine overs, he conceded 42 but took two wickets to ensure that the Bangladesh made another comeback into the game. He got out White and the big wicket of Ed Joyce.
Then the O Brien brothers came to the crease and did decent knocks. Niall, the older brother and wicketkeeper, was playing more of the anchor role for the team where players were play around him and Niall got to 38 and then chipped a simple catch to Tamin Iqbal off the captains Shakib bowling. Kevin was more of a bigger hitter and a player who likes to take the positive route he scored a good 37 runs off 40, which is pretty good on a slow pitch, before he skied an Shafiul ball into the air and he was out.
Shafiul then bowled out of his skin to get Bangladesh over the line as he polished off the rest of the tail as Bangladesh bowled the visitors out for 178 runs. Botha did try and give support but he went out for 21 which was the last nail in the coffin for Ireland as they came close but close enough to get the upset. Bangladesh won by 27 runs.
Bangladesh now go on to play the West Indies this coming Friday as they look to build on this victory. To make the quarter finals they need to beat realistically one of the major test nations and maybe because of Bravo's injury this might be the best opportunity. It is a big game for them.
For Ireland they have a trip to bangalore as they take on the English. (I will tell you more about England's match against India later on) They prob will think they needed to win this match to have a chance of getting to the quarter Finals as this is a tough group. For Ireland they have to try and beat England on Wednesday otherwise they will likely be knocked out in the group stages.
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