After a seven wicket victory against Banladesh, who had beaten Englad a few days ago, the future is very bright for Phil Edmonds and his gutsy Ireland side after today's victory in the first ODI against Bangladesh.
An inspirational batting display by Ireland skipper William Porterfield helped his team to a thoroughly convincing seven wicket win over Bangladesh in the first game of the RSA Series at Stormont. The left hander made a magnificent 108 from just 116 balls, striking no fewer than seven fours and three sixes. The century was his eighth for Ireland, beating the record of seven which he had jointly held with Ivan Anderson and Jeremy Bray.
Porterfield shared in an opening stand of 118 - made in exactly 118 balls, to give Ireland the perfect platform as they chased down a potentially tricky Bangladesh total of 234 for 9..
19-year-old Middlesex batsman Paul Stirling made 52 from 57 balls (seven fours) as all the Bangladesh bowlers found the conditions tough going.
Stirling was eventually bowled by Abdur Razzak for 52, attempting one big shot too many, but that proved to be a rare success for the visitors.
Alex Cusack then joined the action, and he proved the perfect foil for Porterfield, who continued to take the attack to the Bangladeshis at every opportunity.
He reached his record breaking hundred from 105 deliveries, but on 108, his innings ended when he mistimed a Shakib-Al-Hasan delivery straight to Mortaza at midwicket. The rousing ovation given by the Stormont crowd was richly deserved.
Niall O'Brien was trapped lbw by Syed Rasel with just 18 needed, but an undefeated 45 from Alex Cusack ensured that the victory was achieved with five overs to spare.
Earlier in the day Ireland opening bowlers Boyd Rankin (3-43) and Trent Johnston (2-24) both bowled superbly to have Bangladesh in early trouble at 28 for 3.
They were rescued by a stand of 107 in 153 balls between Junaid Siddique and Shakib-Al-Hasan. Siddique made a superb hundred, taking 123 balls, and which contained nine boundaries.
Al-Hasan had several reprieves as he made exactly 50 (78 balls, 3 fours), but no other batsman was able to dominate. That was primarily due to the Irish attack keeping a tight line, backed up by an athletic display in the field.
The win is coach Phil Simmons first against a full member in a One-Day international side, and helps Ireland's ambitions to receive full member status.
Ireland of course beat Bangladesh during the 2007 World Cup in the West Indies, and also during the 2009 ICC World Twenty20 at Trent Bridge.
High time for the ICC to grant full test status to Ireland's promising team.
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