Al Amin Jr. scored a breezy half century as Bangladesh A clinched the unofficial ODI series with a four-wicket victory over Ireland A in the reduced 20 overs-a-side fourth unofficial ODI held on Wednesday at Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium in Cox’s Bazar.
Winning the toss, Bangladesh A team skipper Nazmul Hossain Shanto sent Ireland A team to bat first. Mehedi Hasan struck in the very first over of the match by dismissing James Shannon. Andrew Balbirnie’s second consecutive half-century helped Ireland A to post 170 for 7 in 20 overs. Balbirnie scored
83. Imran Ali Enam bagged 3 wickets for 33.
In reply, Bangladesh A lost the wicket of Anamul Haque early. Another opener Zakir Hasan was dismissed after scoring 22. Then skipper Nazmul Hossain and Al-Amin added 58 runs in the third wicket partnership. Stuart Thompson picked up the wicket of Nazmul on 47.
After losing Yasir Ali and Tanvir Haider in quick-succession, Al-Amin stuck on the crease for Bangladesh A and eventually dismissed in the 19th over.
Al-Amin smashed 67 off 40 balls including 8 fours and 2 sixes to guide his side closer to the victory. But Abul Hasan’s two boundaries in the final over sealed victory for Bangladesh in 19.4 overs with 4 wickets in hand.
The hosts are leading the series 3-0 and the 5th and final match of the series will be held on today (Thursday) at the same venue.
Score in brief: Ireland A -170/7 in 20 overs (Balbrinie 83, Sean Terry 28; Ali Enam 3/33, Abul Hasan 1/28, Abu Haydar 1/28)
Bangladesh A -172/6 in 19.4 overs (Al-Amin Jr. 67, Nazmul Hossain 47, Zakir 22, McCarthy 2/32)
Result -Bangladesh A won by 4 wickets.
Man of the Match: Andrew Balbrinie (Ireland A).
