The contrasts to both sides’ opening matches were stark as Bangladesh oversaw Netherlands despite not being at their best and Ireland were shocked by Oman.
Bangladesh’s build-up has been affected by news that the ICC are looking into the actions of both Arafat Sunny and Taskin Ahmed.
Both will be free to play in this match as the ICC ponders its next move but it is an unwelcome distraction for a Bangladesh side that looked tired following their Asia Cup exploits.
For Ireland, their campaign came crashing down to earth at the first hurdle as the world watched little old Oman stun the associate big boys.
They will need a much better performance this time around against sterner opposition and will be hoping that the lights and dew of the evening in Dharamsala doesn’t impact their bowlers as negatively as last time out.
WHAT THEY SAID
Chadika Hathurusingha: “If they have a concern about my bowlers, I have a concern about their [ICC’s] actions as well. I don’t see anything wrong. They have bowled the same way as the last 12 months. As you said if they [the ICC officials] have officiated the matches they have been playing, they must have seen something different yesterday. That’s all I can say.”
William Porterfield: “We’ve got to get it right and it’s more of a mental thing. I think there have been glimpses of real skill, like Wilson’s save. In twenty20 those little things make a difference. Both games went right down to the wire. The last time we were in this situation, two wins was taking us through. We’re relying on the other teams to beat Oman and win two games ourselves.”
LAST FOUR RESULTS
BAN
Bangladesh (153-7) beat Netherlands (145-7) by 8 runs
Bangladesh (120/5) lost to India (122/2) by 8 wickets
Pakistan (129/7) lost to Bangladesh (131/5) by 5 wickets
Bangladesh (147/7) beat Sri Lanka (124/8) by 23 runs
IRE
Ireland (154-5) lost to Oman (157-8) by two wickets
Ireland (155/8) lost to Zimbabwe (160/4) by 6 wickets
Hong Kong (120/7) lost to Ireland (122/0) by 10 wickets
UAE (133/7) beat Ireland (128/9) by 5 runs
PREDICTION
The opening match will have taken the wind out of Ireland and this Bangladesh side are currently on a real roll. Bangladesh should win pretty comfortably, the Irish showing little signs against Oman that their form in T20 cricket is improving.
