Soumya, Mustafiz crush Ireland

Opener Soumya Sarkar blasted 87 off 68 balls to lead Bangladesh to an easy eight-wicket victory over Ireland in their tri-nation series match on Friday.

The Bangladesh bowlers, marshalled by four-star Mustafizur Rahman, bundled the Irish team out for a lowly 181 and then the top-order batsmen played their part in sealing the win.

Winning the toss, Tigers skipper Mashrafe Mortaza opted to bowl first and his bowlers made sure his decision gets proven right.

The first over, bowled by Rubel Hossain, was a maiden while Mustafiz removed Paul Stirling in the second over, which was a wicket maiden.

Mosaddek Hossain and Shakib Al Hasan also joined the party soon, as did Sunzamul Islam, who struck in the very first over on his ODI debut.

Opener Ed Joyce made 46 while Niall O’Brien added 30 to give the Irish scorecard a decent look, but Mustafiz struck thrice in quick succession to unsettle the Ireland middle and lower order.

George Dockrell chipped in 25 late on to ensure his team go past 150.

Man-of-the-match Mustafiz ended the game with four wickets while Mashrafe and Sunzamul both grabbed two wickets.

Chasing 182, openers Tamim Iqbal and Soumya made a flying start as the duo made 95 in around 14 overs in the first wicket.

Tamim was unlucky to miss out on a fifty, his 47 coming in 54 deliveries, thanks to six fours.

One-down Sabbir Rahman and Soumya then added 76 in the second wicket to lead the team home. Sabbir made 33 in 34 balls while Soumya was unbeaten on 87, made with 11 fours and two sixes.

It was Bangladesh’s first win of the tournament, but hosts Ireland are yet to record a victory.

Source: Prothom Alo