T20I Series Preview | Chattogram gets ready for Bangladesh vs Ireland opener

Meanwhile, Ireland is also trying to put its T20 problems to bed. Despite showing flashes of brilliance against Zimbabwe, the West Indies & England, the team still can't seem to wrap things up in the final overs, and hence losing out on matches. So, Ireland will be hoping to get that elusive rhythm right and avoid the small errors that have been costing it so dearly.

Given where both teams are at, this first match is a humongous test for them. Bangladesh is looking to assert its dominance on home soil, while Ireland wants to turn things around & gain some much-needed momentum before the big matches later in the year. The teams’ last T20I meeting took place in 2023, so this match feels like a new chapter for both sides. Each team brings new faces, and this opener may show what direction they plan to take in the next months.

Form Guide

Bangladesh's form is all over the shop. They won two clear games against Afghanistan in Sharjah with some top-notch spin support. But when it came to the West Indies series at home, three losses tell the tale – all of them down to how the team performed under pressure in the final overs. Even with some decent spin backing them up at home, Bangladesh has got this winning feeling going, but come crunch time, they still need to come out of their shell a bit more.

It's not just Bangladesh, though, Ireland is facing the same issue. Their series of losses to Zimbabwe and the West Indies, plus a tough series against England, shows that the top order has been struggling to come to the party early. On the other hand, their pace attack with Josh Little & Barry McCarthy remains the one thing that Ireland can bank on, but it's just not being enough - their short partnerships & late errors are still holding them back from taking control of a match.

Bangladesh: W W L L L

Ireland: NR L L NR L

Head-to-Head in T20Is

Bangladesh takes the lead in the T20 record against Ireland with a score of 5-2 between 2009 & 2023. Though Ireland did manage to put up a small resistance in the early 2020s, in recent times, Bangladesh has looked more likely to win.

Still, come the next match, all of that history is going out of the window. Both teams have made some changes & we all know that the Chattogram pitch is more likely to produce those big scores, so the contest may be closer than you would have thought from past results.

Bangladesh 5-2 Ireland

Pitch and Weather

The Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium usually suits T20 cricket. The middle overs are perfect for spin bowlers to take charge, but you can't rule out dew coming into play in the last overs for the team batting second.

Weather-wise, we can look forward to a warm & dry day on the 27th November with the mercury at a lovely 29°C by the day and a bit more humidity later. 

If the captains win the toss, they will choose to bowl first - and that's not a bad idea given the early movement the surface will provide - & then hope that the chase under dew will be a lot easier.

Team News

Bangladesh plans to use a young top order with Tanzid Hasan and Parvez Hossain Emon. Captain and wicketkeeper Litton Das stays in charge of the middle order with Towhid Hridoy and Nurul Hasan. Mustafizur Rahman, Mahedi Hasan, and Rishad Hossain lead the bowling group.

Ireland depends on captain Paul Stirling at the top. Tim and Harry Tector support the middle order, and wicketkeeper Lorcan Tucker helps against spin. Curtis Campher and Gareth Delany add all-round value. The pace attack with Josh Little and Barry McCarthy aims to use any swing under the lights.

Bangladesh (Probable XI): Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Litton Das (c & wk), Saif Hassan, Towhid Hridoy, Nurul Hasan, Nasum Ahmed, Rishad Hossain, Mahedi Hasan, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Mustafizur Rahman

Ireland (Probable XI): Paul Stirling (c), Tim Tector, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Curtis Campher, Ben Calitz, Gareth Delany, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Ben White

Broadcasting Platforms

Fans can watch the Bangladesh vs Ireland T20I series on the FanCode app and website, with the first game starting at 5:30 PM IST on Thursday. There will not be any live telecast of the same in India.