Iqbal inspires Bangladesh to victory

Nafis Iqbal's century almost single-handedly catapulted the Bangladeshis to a 2-wicket win (D-L method) over Ireland at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast. In a rain-affected match the Bangladeshis managed to scamper home in the run-chase.

Rajin Saleh won the toss and put Ireland in, and after rain reduced the match to 32 overs, restricted Ireland to 179 for 5 from 32 overs. Jason Molins, the captain, led from the front, scoring 64 at the top of the order. No one else in the Ireland team could get going, and extras, with 26, was the next highest contributor to the total.

Since rain interrupted play after the Ireland innings had started, Bangladesh were left chasing 206 runs from 32 overs. They reached the target with just one ball to spare, thanks to Iqbal's even 100. Iqbal, the 19-year-old right-hand batsman, was recalled to the Bangladesh team just month ago, and repaid the faith that the selectors had reposed in him with this effort. He was helped along by Javed Omar who made 39 opening the innings.

However, it was by no means an easy chase for Bangladesh. Apart from Omar and Iqbal none of the batsmen reached double figures, and as many as eight wickets were lost in the frenetic chase.