Clinical Tigers beat Ireland by six wickets

Bangladesh have successfully chased down 293 to beat Ireland by six wickets with 45 balls to spare in the sixth One-Day International of the tri-nation series in another clinical performance.

Half-centuries by openers Tamim Iqbal and Liton Das and allrounder Shakib Al Hasan at Dublin on Wednesday helped the middle-order secure the comfortable victory.

Mushfiqur Rahim made a quickfire 35 off 33 while Mahmudullah was unbeaten at 35 off 29 after Shakib retired hurt with a side strain.

Ireland, having already been knocked out of the tournament after being defeated by West Indies and sharing points with Bangladesh in a rained-out match, set the huge target thanks to 130 by opener Paul Stirling and 94 by Captain William Porterfield.

Medium pacer Abu Jayed took five wickets, but gave away 58 runs off his nine overs.

Inclusion of pacer Rubel Hossain meant well for the Tigers as he bagged one wicket with two maidens in his seven overs.

Mohammad Saifuddin took two wickets and finally the hosts were able to post a total of 292.

Starting the chase, Bangladesh were 117 for one when Tamim was out after his 45th half-century, bdnews24.com reports.

Liton, who has replaced Soumya Sarkar at the other end, scored 76 off 67.

Now Mashrafe Bin Mortaza’s team will face West Indies in the final of the crucial pre-World Cup series on Friday.