Bangladesh vs Ireland, BAN vs IRE, Today Match Prediction 18 March 2023

ban vs ire Match Prediction & Analysis

Hosts Bangladesh will look for an early lead as they take on Ireland in the first game of the three-match series. The recent 3-0 T29 series against England win would pump up the Bangladesh side as they have been in their finest form. Ireland hasn't played ODI cricket regularly in the last 12 months, so it will be a big challenge for the side to play on these turning tracks, which their players aren't used to.  

Ireland has had a poor record in ODI cricket in the last 12 months. The side will struggle in these conditions where the ball turns sharply as they are used to playing on fast-paced tracks. Bangladesh has an excellent record at this venue, making the players confident. It is the series' first game, and both sides will battle hard for a win. 

TEAMS PREVIEW

Bangladesh Preview

Tamim Iqbal's side lost the ODI series against England in the first two games but have enjoyed a dream run since then. They whitewashed England in the T20 series, and the Bangladeshi skipper would like to continue with the same momentum. They have a good record against Ireland, and the side will eye an early lead.   

Tamim Iqbal can hit the ball hard and would like to deliver a confident start to the side in this game with Litton Das. They have a strong and experienced middle order with Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib al Hasan, and Mushfiqur Rahim, and the side will expect runs from these players. Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, and Mehidy Hasan Miraz add to the side's strength down the order.  

Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman must put brakes on the scoring rate with the new ball and pick early wickets. Shakib is the most experienced bowler on the team and has an important role in the middle overs with Mehidy Hasan Miraz. Ebadot Hossain and Mahmudullah will need to do well in the supporting role.  

Bangladesh Predicted Playing XI:

Tamim Iqbal (c), Litton Das, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Mushfiqur Rahim (wk), Shakib Al Hasan, Mahmudullah, Afif Hossain, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Ebadot Hossain, Mustafizur Rahman, Nasum Ahmed

Bangladesh Actual Playing XI:

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

Ireland Preview

Andrew Balbirnie would look for a positive show from his players in this game. They drew the last ODI series they played against Zimbabwe. The conditions here would test their batsmen, and the Irish skipper would like to see his players' determined effort. Bangladesh has its problems with consistency, and Balbirnie would like to exploit it.  

Paul Stirling and Stephen Doheny need to offer a big-opening wicket stand in this game to put the side in a comfortable position. Balbirnie must anchor the innings in the middle order and add runs with Harry Tector and George Dockrell. Curtis Campher and Lorcan Tucker will be tasked with adding quick runs in the final overs of the innings.  

The bowling attack must be on its toes, as the Bangladeshis have a solid batting line-up. Andy McBrine and Mark Adair need to deliver breakthroughs with the new ball. Delany is an experienced bowler and must do well in the middle overs with Harry Tector. The team would also like tight spells from Campher, Dockrell, and Fionn Hand.

Ireland Predicted Playing XI:

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

Ireland Actual Playing XI:

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

PITCH AND WEATHER CONDITIONS

Weather Conditions

Sylhet will see clear skies on March 18, and we expect to see a flat surface where batsmen can score runs. There will be an underlying slowness in the surface, offering assistance to the spinners. The side batting first shall eye a score of 300 runs or more to feel confident in the game.

Venue Details

Sylhet International Cricket Stadium is a good venue for the bowlers, and they have done well here in the past. Fast bowlers do well with the new ball; the spinners also enjoy bowling and have enjoyed success. Batsmen must stick to the wicket and rotate strikes to do well at this venue. 

Toss: To Bowl

The wicket is a challenging one for batting in the second innings. The wicket slows down and makes run chases difficult. Under these circumstances, the side batting first would have an advantage. Hence, the side winning the toss here would opt to bat first in the game.