Can The Irish Boys Tame The Bangla Tigers? Predicted XIs, Pitch Report, Fantasy Tips
Najmul Hossain Shanto's ton floored Ireland in 2nd ODI [Source: Twitter]
The second One-Day International (ODI) between Ireland and Bangladesh produced an absolutely enthralling encounter despite it being a rain-curtained match. Bangladesh chased down 320 in 45 overs, thanks to a hundred from Najmul Hossain Shanto, which overshadowed Harry Tector's ton for Ireland.
With a 1-0 lead, Bangladesh will look to win the third and final ODI tomorrow, while Ireland will be eager to strike back and draw level.
Tector and skipper Andrew Balbirnie dug Ireland out of a hole after their top-order collapsed once again. Paul Stirling has been in the best of form and will be needed to score big if Ireland wants to level the series.
George Dockrell scored an unlikely 74 off 47, which propelled Ireland to 319 after the late-order failed to provide impetus. The bowling continues to be a big issue as seen in the second ODI. Joshua Little continued to be on the expensive side, with only Mark Adair and Dockrell being standout performers.
With no to almost zero assistance for spinners, both Hasan and Miraz have been rendered useless. For Bangladesh, Ebadot Hossain will need to find his old form and rescue fast bowling attack. Meanwhile, Shoriful Islam, who has been extremely expensive, will require more discipline.
Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das are Bangladesh's weaknesses, with their batting starting from No.3. Shanto and Towhid Hridoy's brilliance helped their side chase down a mammoth target, with a contribution from Mushfiqur Rahim.
Shakib Al Hasan would want to step up with the bat as a win here could ensure Bangladesh clinches the series 2-0.
Match Details
Date and Time: 14 May, 15:15 PM IST
Venue: County Ground Chelmsford, England
Live Streaming: FanCode App
Pitch Report
The track despite all the rain around has produced runs and shows no sign of deterioration. Credit to the ground staff for belting out a cracker of pitch in the series.
Predicted Playing XIs
Ireland: Stephen Doheny, Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie (c), Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Joshua Little, and Graham Hume
Bangladesh: Tamim Iqbal (c), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taijul Islam, Shoriful Islam, Hasan Mahmud, and Ebadot Hossain
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keeper: Lorcan Tucker, Mushfiqur Rahim
Batters: Towhid Hridoy, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Andrew Balbirnie, George Dockrell
All-Rounders: Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Harry Tector, Curtis Campher
Bowlers: Hasan Mahmud, Joshua Little
Captain: Harry Tector
Vice-Captain: Najmul Hossain Shanto
Prediction
Bangladesh will be high on confidence after winning a high-scoring encounter, and will head to the third and final ODI as firm favourites.
 "Vishal Mehra")
