Sarkar, Mustafizur guide Bangladesh to easy win

Bangladesh earned an eight-wicket victory over Ireland courtesy an unbeaten 87 from Soumya Sarkar in the fourth One-Day International of the tri-nation series that also involves New Zealand, on Friday (May 19).

After dismissing Ireland for just 181 in 46.3 overs, Bangladesh needed only 27.1 overs to chase down the target at Malahide in Dublin.

Sarkar shared an opening stand of 95 in 14 overs with Tamim Iqbal (47), and then 76 for the second wicket with Sabbir Rahman, who hit 35 from 34 balls.

Kevin O’Brien had earlier taken his 99th ODI wicket when he had Tamim caught behind by Niall O'Brien, his brother.

After scoring only one run in his first two innings of the series, Sabbir made a cautious start but then got into his stride. He was dismissed when going for a shot, caught on the midwicket boundary by George Dockrell off Barry McCarthy, but by then the end was in sight.

Earlier, the Bangladesh bowlers set up the chase with Mustafizur Rahman taking 4 for 23, backed up by his captain, Mashrafe Mortaza, who took 2 for 18.

Sunzamul Islam, who made his international debut for Bangladesh, also claimed two wickets, his first being Ed Joyce, the Ireland opener, for 46. Joyce missed the first two games of the series with a back injury but he had to play a rearguard innings as he lost three partners in the first 15 overs.

Paul Stirling was caught in the slips off Mustafizur's third delivery and William Porterfield, the Ireland captain, fell in the ninth over when he was caught and bowled by Mosaddek Hossain for 22.

Andrew Balbirnie was sent in at No. 4, even though Niall O'Brien had scored a century in Ireland's last game against New Zealand, but the move failed as Shakib Al Hasan bowled him for 12.

Niall O'Brien again looked comfortable, reaching 30 off 42 balls, but his attempt in hitting a second six was foiled by Tamim holding on to a brilliant catch over his head and just inside the boundary.

When Joyce miscued to the same fielder in the same position in the next over Ireland was 126 for 6. Dockrell, one of only four players to reach over 20, put up some late resistance with 25 off 50 balls. He was only one of four Ireland batsmen to post a score over 20.

But after his dismissal, the Ireland innings lasted only two more balls as Chase give Mushfiqur Rahim his third catch behind the wicket.

In the second half, Bangladesh was powered by Sarkar's unbeaten 68-ball knock. Mortaza's side will play New Zealand in its final game on Wednesday.

The series continues on Sunday (May 21) with Ireland’s final game against New Zealand.