Bangladesh rise to fourth in T20 rankings

Minnows move past Australia, Pakistan after Ireland whitewash.

BELFAST:

Bangladesh rose to fourth spot in the International Cricket Council (ICC) Twenty20 rankings after they completed a 3-0 whitewash of Ireland with a dramatic last-ball win in the final game at Stormont.

Bangladesh, who broke into the rankings for the first time after their one-run victory in the second match of the series against Ireland, were placed sixth but rose two places with the two-wicket win in the final game. The result lifted them past Pakistan and Australia who are placed fifth and sixth respectively.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s position was very satisfactory for coach Richard Pybus who lauded his team’s efforts.

“The last two games were probably a better reflection of where both teams stand,” said Pybus. “Ireland were out of sorts in the first game but the last two both went down to the wire. I’m very happy with the performance of our bowlers, who got experience of bowling in these conditions. Our batting was pretty solid too, but we have a little work to do before the World Twenty20.”

Earlier, Mashrafe Mortaza produced a fine all-round display as Bangladesh downed Ireland. The fast-medium bowler took four for 19 as Ireland, who made a good start, were restricted to 140 in their 20 overs. Mortaza he then struck 30 off just 13 balls with four sixes as Bangladesh won by two wickets.

Mushfiqur Rahim’s dismissal in the last over set up a nail-biting finish but Elias Sunny saw Bangladesh home off the last ball.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 23^rd, 2012.