The match against Ireland on Wednesday was a dead rubber in terms of the tri-series. But keeping in mind the preparation of the World Cup, the match was very important. Some of the benchwarmers needed to prove their worth to the team. From them, Abu Zayed Rahi and Liton Das stole the limelight with incredible performances.
Abu Zayed took five wickets and consolidated his place in the World Cup. Liton Das also shown that he is no less than Soumya as he struck 67-ball 76.
Bangladesh won the match easily by 6 wickets. Ireland’s Paul Stirling’s century helped his team to post a challenging 292/8. Chasing 293, the opening duo of Tamim Iqal and Liton posted 117 runs. Tamim scored 57 before departing.
Liton then played with responsibility and elegancy. He was moving the scoreboard quickly without any rushed shots. Liton’s 67-ball 76 included 9 fours and 1 maximum.
Earlier, during the Irish innings, Abu Jayed Rahi was the hero of the game. Jayed, who picked 5 wickets against Ireland in only his second ODI is yet to make permanent place in the ODI set up despite being a permanent fixture in the Test.
On Wednesday, Rahi have shown his class and skill of swinging the ball. He swung the ball in both ways at the beginning of his spell and picked up 4 wickets with the old ball. This swing and line can be useful for Bangladesh in the upcoming World Cup in England.
He had an ordinary debut match against West Indies, he gave 56 runs in 9 overs without taking any wicket.
Rahi’s good form can be a cause of sadness for Taskin.
He has made it difficult for selectors to place a final 15-member World Cup team. Rahi and Liton's performance made it more difficult to place a starting eleven in today’s tri-series final against Windies.
Who is going out of Friday’s final? The question will keep looming until the starting lineup is announced.
