Mashrafe Mortaza took 3 for 22 in the first match against Ireland © Tigercricket.com Enlarge

Match facts

Thursday March 20, 2008
Start time 0930 (local), 0330 (GMT)

The big picture

A loss for Bangladesh in the second match will keep the series alive but after not winning a single game during South Africa's visit earlier this month, the home side is under tremendous pressure and will want to wrap up the proceedings on Thursday. Ireland, meanwhile, will look to play as much competitive cricket they can on this tour. They last played international one-day cricket in July 2007 when they hosted the Quadrangular Series which included West Indies, Scotland and Netherlands.

Form Guide - Ireland

Last five completed matches: LLWWL

Player to watch: Trent Johnston was Ireland's most economical bowler in the first ODI. He conceded only 17 runs in six overs for one wicket and also chipped in with a 41-ball 31, batting lower down the order. A useful innings from him during a close run-chase or a wicket to break a partnership could help to produce an upset.

Form Guide - Bangladesh

Last five completed matches: LLLLW

Player to watch: Mashrafe Mortaza has a lot to prove to the selectors after going wicketless in two Tests and taking only one wicket in two ODIs against South Africa. He showed some of his earlier spark in the first ODI against Ireland and took 3 for 22.

Team news

With an eye on clinching the series, Bangladesh are likely to play the same XI that featured in the first ODI.

Ireland (probable XI) William Porterfield, Reinhardt Strydom, Eoin Morgan, Niall O'Brien (wk), Kevin O'Brien, Andre Botha, Alex Cusack, Trent Johnston (capt), Dave Langford-Smith, Greg Thompson, Kyle McCallan.

Bangladesh (probable XI) Tamim Iqbal, Shahriar Nafees, Aftab Ahmed, Mohammad Ashraful (capt), Shakib Al Hasan, Raqibul Hasan, Dhiman Ghosh (wk), Farhad Reza, Mahmudullah, Mashrafe Mortaza, Abdur Razzak.

Weather: Heavy rain showers expected later in the day with a high of 91° F.

Quotes

"It is natural that people come down hard on us if we didn't play good cricket. But you should also consider the success as a win is always a win."
Mohammad Ashraful, Bangladesh captain