Porterfield leads Ireland to victory over Bangladesh

A spectacular hundred from captain William Porterfield helped Ireland to yet another convincing win over Bangladesh at Stormount today in the first match of the RSA Series.

Porterfield’s 108 from 116 balls gave Ireland the perfect platform to build on to seal the win and in the process move Ireland back up to 10th spot in the ODI rankings, level with Zimbabwe.

The Gloucestershire opener’s stand of 118 for the first wicket with Paul Stirling was the highlight of the match with both players scoring at a rapid rate and finding the boundary with regularity.

William Porterfield, seen here during the WCQ earlier his year, scored 108 as Ireland beat Bangladesh by 7 wickets at Stormont in the first match of the RSA Series. Pic: ICC

Stirling scored 52 off 57 before he yet again failed to capitalise on a good start when he was bowled by Razzak. However, Alex Cusack came in and took over the mantle to see the Irish home with a watchful 45 not out.

Despite Porterfield holing out to mid wicket in the 38th over off the bowling of Shakib Al Hasan and Niall O’Brien (5) being trapped lbw by Rasel, Ireland reached the required 235 in the 45th over much to the delight of the watching Stormont crowd.

Earlier, Bangladesh found themselves in early trouble after the Irish opening attack of Rankin and Johnston had reduced them to 28-3 after 5 overs. However, this set the stage for Juanid Sidique to rescue the Bangladeshis and the left-hand number three brought up his hundred just before he departed.

Apart from vice-captain Shakib Al Hasan (50), no other Bangladesh batsman could get a start as the Irish attack put on a disciplined display and continued their fine form in the field to restrict the visitors to what would be considered a par score at the Civil Service ground.

Porterfield collected the Man-of-the-Match accolade and will no doubt be full of confidence heading into the second and final match of the series which takes place tomorrow a the same venue; play starts at 1045.

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