Rahi’s maiden five-for restricts Ireland to 292-8

Opener Paul Stirling struck his eighth ODI century as Ireland compiled a respectable 292-8 against Bangladesh in the last group match of the tri-series tournament at the Clontarf Cricket Club Ground in Dublin on Wednesday.

Abu Jayed Rahi who had poor return on his debut match against West Indies on Tuesday, dazzled with cherry, claiming 5-58 in 9 overs. His bowling was key in preventing Ireland from going past 300, reports BSS.

Stirling smashed 141 ball-130, hitting eight fours and four sixes while captain William Porterfield hammered 94 off 106 with seven fours and two sixes.

The duo shared 174 runs for the third wicket stand to pave the platform of respectable total, after Ireland was struggling at 59-2 in 11th over.

Rubel Hossain gave the breakthrough, removing opener James McCollum for 5 after Ireland opted to bat first, while Rahi got rid of Andy Balbirnie, making him his maiden International wicket.

Fresh from his century against West Indies, Balbirnie made 23.

Stirling and Porterfiled frustrated Bangladeshi bowlers almost 35 overs before Rahi helped the side hit back with the wicket of Porterfield. He then removed Kevin O’Brien and Stirling in consecutive deliveries before completing his five for, taking out Garry Wilson for 12.

Saifuddin took 2-43 to complement Rahi’s effort.

The game turned out to be a dead rubber after Bangladesh and West Indies had already confirmed the spot in final, to be held on Friday. But the stake was high for Bangladesh as they looked to give some of the players a game time before the World Cup.

Bangladesh brought up four changes to the squad from the previous match, bringing in Rubel Hossain, Mosaddek Hossin, Mohammad Saifuddin and Liton Das, in the place of Mustafizur Rahman, Mohammad Mithun, Mehidy Hasan Miraj and Soumya Sarkar.