Ireland were never really in the contest as Bangladesh scored quickly and freely right from the outset. Openers Haque (23) and Majunder added 45 in the first 7 overs, before both were dismissed by Craig Young (2-33).
Saikat Ali struck a brisk 34 before being trapped lbw by Stuart Thompson with the total on 98. That was to be the end of Irish success for quite a while, as Muminul Hoque Showrav and skipper Mahmudul Hasan batted with great maturity and skill to add 119 in 22.1 overs.
Hasan made 52 before being lbw to Andy Balbirnie, one of four victims for the captain. Showrav departed five balls later for a quite excellent 81 from 100 balls (4 fours, 1 six). The total at that stage was 224 with six overs left, and was the perfect platform for the late order to launch an all-out assault.
Indeed they did in some style as 83 runs were scored in those six overs – Shabbir Rahman (47) and Nur Hossain (31) both hit three sixes – the latter’s three coming off consecutive Eddie Richardson deliveries. In total Bangladesh hit no fewer than 20 fours and 8 sixes – targeting the short square boundary to good effect.
The final Bangladesh total of 307 for 8 was always going to be beyond the reach of the Irish, but despite the early loss of Lee Nelson, run out for 4, they had a go in the early stages.
Stuart Thompson (20) and Paul Stirling (11) both attacked initially, and at 35 for 1 after six overs, it looked respectable. Alas that became 39 for 5 in quick time, as Alauddin Babu (3-33) removed Stirling, Balbirnie (lbw again first ball), and Shannon in the space of 22 balls.
Graham McDonnell hit a breezy 31 from 42 balls, before attempting one slog sweep too many, and was caught in the deep. Poor Stuart Poynter was run out the very next ball, and at 80 for 7, it looked as if a total of less than 100 was on the cards.
Ben Ackland dug in and scored an obdurate 34 not out from 100 balls, adding 32 in 16 overs with Shane Getkate.
The re-introduction of Kamrul Islam into the attack brought the match to a swift conclusion as he bowled Shane Getkate (4), and then dismissed Eddie Richardson and Craig Young to claim a hat-trick and the match ball.
The final margin of victory was 195 runs, and in truth this didn’t flatter a rampant Bangladesh, who claimed the 9th placing.
For Ireland, there’s the consolation of a 10th place finish – their best ever in the history of the U19 World Cup.
