The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

After a dismal performance in the home series against South Africa, Bangladesh faces visiting Ireland in the first of the three-match Ispahani ODI Series today at Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS).

State run BTV will telecast live the match from 9:30am. However, due to equipment constraints, no Third Umpire referrals will be made and all decisions of on-field umpires will be final.

Ahead of the encounter, both the teams made practice sessions at the SBNS, the home side in the morning and the visitors in the afternoon.

During a pre-match press briefing at the match venue Bangladesh skipper Mohammad Ashraful said, "I'm looking forward to tomorrow's match. I'm not in under any sorts of pressure about the series and hope to leave the field with win."

Showing full respect to the Ireland team he said, "Ireland is a good team and they play well. There is no reason to take them as minnows."

Asked about the wicket at Mirpur, the out-of-form captain said, "It is difficult to play flurry of shots here (Mirpur) and this time we want to play according to our game plan."

Bangladesh coach Jamie Siddons said, "Preparation is good. It was difficult against South Africa but the boys are fired up and raring to go. It would be nice if we could win and I am pretty confident that we will win."

Asked about the touring side, the Aussie coach of the national team said, "There are lots of cricket to play. They (Ireland) are a good team. They are only just bellow us in the ranking and last time we played I think they beat us. I am expecting to win."

On the other hand, Ireland coach, Phill Simmons said, "I think his team will perform to the best of their ability and they have the capability of winning here."

Asked about his expectation the former West Indian international said, "In any game you go to play, especially one-day cricket you go to win. So, at the end of the day that is the result we are looking for. I want them to play like they played in the World Cup and add something to that. If we can do that, the game will be closer."

Skipper Trent Johnston said, "We really want to perform against you guys. We have come here to be very competitive and we think we can walk away with the series victory. Bangladesh are going through a tough period at the moment. Hopefully we can capitalize on that."

The visiting captain also hinted at tough competition saying, "Bangladesh are favourite to win the series, but we can also have a ride. We have proved that in the World Cup. We are a good side."

Replying to a question he said, "I think toss will be crucial. Hopefully we will win that, place a good score and defend it in the afternoon."

Ireland will play the 2nd ODI on March 20 and the 3rd on March 22 also at the Mirpur Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium (SBNS).

Ireland had defeated Bangladesh by 74 runs in the lone encounter in the ICC World Cup Super-eight in West Indies last year.

Ireland Squad: Trent Johnston (captain), William Porterfield (vice captain), Kyle McCallan, Kevin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien, Andre Botha, Alex Cusack, Reinhardt Strydom, Thinus Fourie, Gary Kidd, Greg Thompson, Eoin Morgan, Paul Stirling, David Langford-Smith and Phil Eaglestone.

Bangladesh Squad: Mohammad Ashraful (captain), Mashrafe Bin Mortaza (Vice captain), Tamim Iqbal, Zunaed Siddiqui, Aftab Ahmed, Nazimuddin, Shahriar Nafees, Shakib Al Hasan, Dhiman Ghosh, Abdur Razzak, Shahadat Hossain Razib, Mahmudullah Riyad, Farhad Reza and Rokibul Hasan.