Bangladesh eye revenge against Ireland

Mohammad Isam

Mirpur, Feb 24 (PTI) Smarting from their opening matchdefeat against India, Bangladesh will look to bring theircampaign back on track, avenging their previous losses toIreland when they lock horns against them in Group B match ofthe cricket World Cup here tomorrow.

Four years ago, Ireland had defeated Bangladesh by 74runs in the Super Eights stage of the 2007 World Cup in WestIndies, before beating the Asian team in the Twenty20 WorldCup in England in 2009.

Bangladesh will be fully aware that another slip-up willmake it difficult for them to reach the knock-out stage asthey have to beat Ireland and the Netherlands, and one of thesides from England, South Africa and the West Indies.

Although they lost against India, Bangladesh didn''t batbadly, chasing a mammoth 370 as Shakib''s men posted 283 fornine in 50 overs.

Opener Tamim Iqbal led the chase with a patient 70, whileShakib scored a half-century. Besides Imrul Kayes, JunaidSiddique, Mushfiqur Rahim and Raqibul Hasan all got starts.

Tomorrow''s match is likely to see the return of formerskipper Mohammad Ashraful which will lent solidarity to themiddle order.

But the matter of concern for Bangladesh is theirlacklustre bowling which allowed India to pile up 370 in theopener. Their seamer Shafiul Islam went for 69 runs in hisseven overs while new-ball partner Rubel Hossain bleeded 60runs in 10 wicketless overs.

Spinners Abdur Razzak and Naeem Islam also conceded 74and 54, respectively in nine and seven overs and Shakib willhave to choose his options carefully tomorrow.

Wicketkeeper Mushfiqur Rahim have already made the team''sintention clear saying they would settle for nothing less thana win tomorrow. .