*Ireland will have to win all the three ODIs to have a chance of qualifying directly for the ODI World Cup. However, winning all three may not be enough as they would equal eighth-placed South Africa’s haul of 98 points and net run-rate will come into the equation. *Bangladesh, already qualified for the World Cup, can finish the ODI Super League in second position if they attain a clean-sweep in England.
The weather and conditions in England appears to be the trickiest aspect Bangladesh faced ahead of their three-match ODI series against Ireland in Chelmsford, starting today.
The Tigers ODI captain Tamim Iqbal mentioned on Sunday that their preparations in England have not gone as planned. Head coach Chandika Hathurusingha echoed those sentiments yesterday.
“Very unique situation since we are playing Ireland in England and normally that doesn’t happen. We can’t blame anyone and it’s the first time,” Hathurusingha told the travelling journalists yesterday when asked whether Bangladesh have been unlucky with preparations.
“If we knew this, we wouldn’t have agreed to this kind of schedule because it’s not ideal preparation. We learn from this one,” he added.
Conditions have been the Tigers’ biggest challenge over the years. The team were able to get results in South Africa, which boosts their morale in such conditions. There will be movement on offer for bowlers early and the top-order will have their work cut out.
As the team have shown the urgency to play a more aggressive brand of cricket, especially against Ireland recently at home, the head coach was asked if they want to keep the same approach.
Cricket Ireland released the official list of broadcasters, with Premier Sports set to broadcast the three-match ODI series. Fans in India can stream the games on the Fancode app, while viewers from North America can watch the games on Willow TV. Bangladeshi fans can watch the upcoming series on the ICC TV app by registering for free.
“Yes, we play the same way to our potential, skill-set and competence. The only thing we will take into account are the conditions which will dictate tactically how we play. Other than that, we are looking to play same brand of cricket,” he said.
It gives the impression that the team know the challenges of away conditions where runs are available but a good start may prove pivotal. The likes of Towhid Hridoy and Rony Talukdar have recently come in to the side but both have shown fluency in white-ball formats at home conditions. Hathurusingha was hoping the duo would find their feet in different conditions like England.
“Yes for sure [good opportunity for both]. For international cricket, they need to play in all kinds of conditions. This is the first opportunity they get, I hope they prove to themselves that they can do the same thing,” he remarked.
With ace all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan back with the squad and Mehedi Hasan Miraz already there, the Tigers have the flexibility of playing an extra batter or a bowler. Hathurusingha backed Mehedi for the number seven slot but the idea was not to set up the squad thinking of the ODI World Cup.
“We are not playing in similar conditions to India. We will contemplate on winning the series in these conditions,” he said with the wicket having some tinge of green as Bangladesh went about their session yesterday.
