A lacklustre display by Ireland allowed Bangladesh to share the spoils in the RSA One Day International series, William Porterfield's decision to bat first was the major talking point as the two sides reversed roles.
In contrast to yesterday's game, Ireland's top order failed abysmally today at Stormont. A solid mid order contribution by Wilson prevented what would have been humiliation at the hands of an improved Bangladesh side.
The visitors rang the changes with pace man Shafiul and spinner Faisal Hossain coming in. For Ireland, Trent Johnston defied doctor's orders to play despite a stomach upset.
The most puzzling problem though, was why Ireland decided to bat first when conditions suggested they should put Bangladesh in. No matter, presumably the form of Ireland's openers was enough to assuage any nagging doubts!
At 28 for 3 those 'nagging doubts' had turned into head scratching bewilderment at the decision. Porterfield was caught at point for 6 and both Stirling (6) and Cusack (0) snicked to the keeper from Shafiul's bowling.
Those who had looked so composed and astute yesterday were quickly undone by the unpredictable movement of the ball. That is not to take credit from the bowlers who gave themselves every chance.
Niall O'Brien looked purposeful but was unable to convert his start being given out LBW to Razzak for 27 runs. Given his recent form, the stumping of Kevin O'Brien for 14 was as surprising as it was disappointing.
All this meant that Ireland found themselves in the unfamiliar position of 62-5 in 21 overs. Wilson and White offered some resistance. The former finding gaps in the field with some fine shot selection.
The spirit of optimism had just about resurfaced until White played through the line to Faisal Hossain and was trapped in front for 24.
Wilson's half century came in 58 balls and included 4 fours. Mooney got in on the act with some big hitting. That momentum was irreparably damaged when Wilson got out for 60 and Mooney followed. Ireland finished on 189-9, Johnston getting caught on the boundary and the tail-enders adding 13.
Bangladesh made easy work of chasing what was at best a par score. Tamim Iqbal compiled 74 runs without being the least bit ruffled by the Irish attack. Siddique failed this time out but Jahurul got 34.
The RSA man of the match performance was awarded to Shafiul with figures of 4-59. There was nothing especially bad about the Irish bowling and fielding but as a group they just seemed flat and incapable of altering the direction of the contest.
The inevitable was confirmed when Bangladesh reached their target with nine overs to spare.
Speaking about Ireland's decision to bat, Bangladesh's Tamim Iqbal said, ''We were thinking about bowling, it was raining and not that sunny so yes, I was surprised.''
It emerged that the decision was either based on the doubt over whether Trent Johnson was well enough to take the field or the threat of the wicket taking the Bangladesh spin as the day wore on.
Neither seems convincing in the face of such a tactical oversight.
This must be viewed as a missed opportunity.
Result- Bangladesh win by 6 wickets.
Ireland 189-9 in 46 overs (reduced by rain)
G Wilson 60, J Mooney 28, N O'Brien 27, A White 24
Shafiul 4-59, Shakib 2-21
Bangladesh 191-4 in 37 overs
Tamim Iqbal 74, Jahurul 34.
Ireland: W Porterfield (C), P Stirling, N O'Brien (W), G Wilson, K O'Brien, A Cusack, A White, J Mooney, T Johnston, B Rankin, G Dockrell.
Bangladesh: T Iqbal Khan, I Kayes, J Siddique, J Islam, S Al Hassan, M Rahim (W), F Hossian, M Riyad, M Bin Mortaza (C), A Razzak, S Islam
Umpires: H D P K Dharmasena, N A Malcolm, J Srinath, D Ward
RSA Insurance Man of the Match - Shafiul
Toss - Ireland
By Rupert Heather
