The Bangladesh team scored a huge record-breaking run in the first two matches of the three-match ODI series against Ireland. Bangladesh broke their own record of the highest runs in the past by scoring 338 runs in the first match. In the next match, Tamim Iqbal's team surpassed the record of the previous match by scoring 349 runs. However, the second match of the 2023 BAN vs IRE ODI Series was washed away by rain, and it was a no result. Now Bangladesh will start the last match on March 23 with an aim to win the series, while Ireland will try to level the series by winning it.

Bangladesh vs Ireland ODI Series Overview 2023

Ireland could not even fight against the power of Bangladeshi batsmen-bowlers in the first game. Tamim Iqbal's team won the biggest victory in their ODI history by playing a 'perfect' match. Tamim Iqbal's team defeated Ireland by a huge margin of 183 runs in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Saturday.

It is Bangladesh's biggest win in terms of runs in 407 ODIs played in 37 years. The previous biggest win by runs was against Zimbabwe. In 2020, Bangladesh, led by Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, beat Zimbabwe by 169 runs on March 1 at this ground in Sylhet.

Bangladesh lost the toss and chose to bat first in the first match. Although the start was not good, Shakib and the man of the match, Hridoy, played a great inning with an excellent partnership for the fourth wicket. Later, Mushfiqur Rahim stormed with the bat. Bangladesh scored 338 runs for 8 wickets with the bat of these three, which was the highest collection in their ODI history. In response, Ireland's innings ended with 155 runs in 30.5 overs in the face of the bowling of Ebadot, Nasum, and Taskin.

Read More: Mushfiq’s Record-Breaking Fastest ODI Century

Two openers, Tamim Iqbal and Litton Das, started cautiously after losing the toss in the second match. From the start, Bangladesh indicated a big collection. Tamim Iqbal returned to the pavilion from being run out for 23 runs, but Litton Das and Najmul Hossain Shanto picked up the fifties in the second ODI of the series against Ireland. But the end was entertained by Mushfiqur Rahim and Towhid Hridoy’s batting. Musfiqur picked his ninth ODI hundred in 60 balls and became the fastest ODI century record holder for Bangladesh.

However, Mushfiqur Rahim's fastest century and Bangladesh’s highest collection in their history in ODIs was declared abandoned at around 8:30. The cut-off time of the match was 9:33 PM. But it was raining in the field for an hour.

Towhid became the first Bangladeshi batsman to miss fifty for 1 run in the first two matches. Mushfiqur needed 9 runs in the last over to become Bangladesh's fastest centurion. Mushfiqur took two runs after getting a strike from the third ball. Next ball, he scooped a low full toss outside the off stump for a boundary. The record of the fastest ODI century for the country was achieved with 2 and 1 runs in the last two balls of the innings, respectively. Graham Hume took three wickets for Ireland in the second match.

Read More: Bangladesh Make Two Changes to Squad for Third ODI Against Ireland

Preview of BAN vs IRE 3rd Match

Despite the team's highest collection, Bangladesh could not with the match due to rain. There is a threat of rain in the series-deciding third ODI between Bangladesh and Ireland. There was rain on the morning of March 22. So, if the third match is washed away, too, Bangladesh will win the series. While Bangladesh will start the match without any tension, Ireland is surely busy setting up their game plan.

The Bangladesh team has shortened the squad before the third ODI match. Two players have been reduced from the 15-member team. Tigers have sent Afif Hossain to Dhaka. Afif was out of the main XI in the first two matches. The way the team batted, the chances of him returning in the third match were slim. So, the left-handed batsman has been sent to Dhaka to prepare for the T20 series. Shoriful Islam was also not kept in the last match. BCB announced the team for the third ODI against Ireland by keeping Shoriful and Afif out of the squad.

On the other hand, there are no changes for Ireland, and hopefully, they will start the match with the previous XI. But Ireland will surely look for a win, and the bowlers need to give their full effort to draw the series.

Read More: Rain washes out second ODI in Sylhet after Bangladesh post record total

BAN vs IRE 3rd ODI Probable Playing XIs

Bangladesh (BAN)

Tamim Iqbal (c), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Yasir Ali, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Ebadot Hossain, Nasum Ahmed.

Ireland (IRE)

Paul Stirling, Stephen Doheny, Andrew Balbirnie (c), Harry Tector, George Dockrell, Curtis Campher, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Gareth Delany, Andy McBrine, Mark Adair, Graham Hume.

Players to Watch in the BAN vs IRE 3rd ODI

Mushfiqur Rahim, Ebadot Hossian, Graham Hume and George Dockrell are the top players to watch in Bangladesh vs Ireland third ODI.

Mushfiqur Rahim

After hitting the fastest century for Bangladesh and consistent performance in the first two matches, fans surely increased their expectation from Mushfiq. So, we will have an eye on him as Mr Dependable will play without any pressure. And he has a great chance to entertain the fans with his batting style in the third match.

Read More: Tigers post another record ODI total as Mushfiqur smashes fastest ton

Ebadot Hossain

Due to the washout, Bangladesh was not able to bowl in the second ODI. Edabot Hossain is surely eager to replicate his four-wicket performance from the first ODI, which could be helpful for the hosts if they wish to win the series.

Graham Hume

Graham Hume gained recognition as the first Irish bowler to take a four-wicket in a match against Bangladesh. He also took three wickets in the second match, showcasing a greater understanding of the Sylhet pitch than any other Irish bowler. Thus, the Bangladeshi batters must be wary of his bowling.

George Dockrell

Dockrell’s 45 runs of 47 balls helped Ireland to cross 155 runs in the first game. Although Ireland did not bat in the second game, this Irish batter could have impacted the batting lineup. So, the Irish fans can expect something good from him in the series-deciding match.

Read More: Shakib completes BBA from AIUB

Final Words

BAN vs IRE third ODI will start at 2:30 PM on March 22. Ireland is playing against Bangladesh after almost four years. And this Bangladesh team is completely different than the previous team that played in 2019. Along with spin, Ireland has to suffer against the pacers of Bangladesh this time. So, the series has been tough for Ireland.