By BV Swagath
Bangladesh lost its warm-up match against Ireland by 5 runs despite an all-round show from Shakib Al Hasan at the Moors Sports Club Ground in Colombo.
Bowling first after winning the toss, the Bangladeshis restricted Ireland to 164 for 6 in 20 overs despite a superb knock of 71 (from 41 balls with 5 fours and 5 sixes) from opener Paul Stirling. Left-handed Ed Joyce contributed 39 facing 36 balls. For the Tigers, Shakib Al Hasan with his left-arm spin strangled the Irish batsmen with figures of 4-0-21-2. Elias Sunny too with the same type of bowling was equally effective with figures of 4-0-21-1.
In the run chase, Bangladesh were given the impetus by Tamim Iqbal’s 35 (from 28 balls with 3 fours and 2 sixes). Shakib Al Hasan came good with the bat as well scoring 52 from just 23 balls with 3 fours and 5 sixes. The Tigers despite being in a good position went onto lose the match by 5 runs finishing their 20 overs at 159 for 9.
Medium pacer Kevin O’Brien bowled Ireland to victory with his crucial 3 for 24 in 4 overs. Trent Johnston with 4-0-25-2 and Alex Cussack with 4-0-28-2 also did their bit in keeping the Bangladeshis under a check.