The New Nation - Internet Edition

Sports Reporter

Bangladesh Cricket team defeated the touring Ireland Cricket team by eight wickets in the first One Day International (ODI) match at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur on Tuesday.

Coin-favoured Ireland chose to bat first and were restricted to 185 for the loss of seven wickets in the regulation 50 overs.

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, the right-arm medium pacer, bowled extremely well to restrict Ireland and finished as 10-4-22-3.

Besides, Mahmudullah Riyad, Shakib Al Hasan and Farhad Reza picked up one wicket each for 31, 38 and 49 runs respectively.

AR Cusack, EJ Mogran, DT Johnson added 38, 35 and 31 (not out) to the Ireland total.

In reply, Bangladesh team coasted home making 186 for the loss of two wickets when they had 10.1 overs to spare.

Bangladesh lost their early two wickets for 56 runs. Opener Shahriar Nafees and skipper Mohammad Ashraful salvaged the team from danger contributing together 129 runs in the unbroken third-wicket stand.

Shahriar Nafees hit an undefeated 90 facing 121 deliveries including 11 fours while Mohammad Ashraful made a captain's knock of unbeaten 64 off 90 balls. He sent the ball eight times beyond the ropes.

DT Johnson and D Langford-Smith took one wicket each conceding 17 and 49 runs respectively.

Mashrafe Bin Mortaza, the country's best medium pacer, was adjudged the man of the match.

Tomorrow Bangladesh team will take on Ireland team in the second ODI at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur.