CRICKET/One-Day International: IRELAND LOST their last five wickets for just 18 runs to hand Bangladesh a 2-0 series victory on the back of an 84-run win in yesterday's second one-day international in Dhaka. Chasing 247 for victory, Ireland had pushed on to 144 for five thanks to a half-century partnership between Andre Botha and Alex Cusack.
With 103 runs required from 16.3 overs and Botha looking in good nick, Ireland were still in contention to level the series. But after making 36 from 34 balls, Botha offered Farhad Reza a return catch that signalled a collapse as Ireland lost four wickets in just 13 deliveries.
Reza was to prove the tormentor-in-chief, his ability to impart reverse swing with the white ball leaving Ireland's tail in shreds as he claimed his first five-wicket haul in one-day internationals. Earlier an opening stand of 42 came to end in the 11th over when Reinhardt Strydom was unlucky to be given leg-before to spinner Abdur Razzak after making 15.
Eoin Morgan and William Porterfield went to outstanding catches off back-to-back deliveries from Reza. The in-form Morgan looked to have cleared the in-field only for Shahriar Nafees to pull off a blinder, taking it one-handed while running backward at cover.
As the 22,000-strong crowd were still celebrating, Aftab Ahmed showed stunning reactions at point to get rid of William Porterfield for 25 to leave Ireland on 47 for three. The O'Brien brothers, Niall and Kevin, put on 36 for the fourth wicket, but neither could build on good starts as Ireland lost their first five wickets for 92 runs. Botha and Cusack offered a brief glimmer of hope before Bangladesh wrapped up the innings for 162.
Earlier on another scorching day, Ireland's bowlers struggled to make a breakthrough as Bangladesh moved to 199 for three after fine innings from openers Tamim Iqbal (46) and Nafees (60) were complemented by a quick-fire 61 off 57 balls from Ahmed.
David Langford-Smith was the pick of the Irish attack, coming back from a barren opening spell to take three late wickets and help restrict the home side to less than 250. The Phoenix player also picked up two run-outs in a fine performance.
Despite a second defeat Ireland skipper Trent Johnston believes his side can take positives into tomorrow's final game which is set to be played in front of a full-house. "I'm told there is a 40,000 full house expected for Saturday, so the noise will be just deafening and the atmosphere electric. It's something special for us, and hopefully it'll lift our game, and we can finish on a winning note," added Johnston.
