Bangla, Ireland clash in a battle of equals

Bridgetown, Barbados, Apr 14 (UNI) Ireland have the last realistic chance to upset the no-more minnows Bangladesh while the Asian 'Tigers' will look register their second win in the Super Eight stage of the showpiece event.

After shocking top-ranked South Africa and nearly repeating the feat against England in their last match, a resurgent Bangladesh will want to put up a clinical and professional performance against the real minnows in the Super Eights.

Ireland, now eliminated, must raise their game and spirits before they take on Habibul Bashar's men tomorrow at the lively Kensington Oval here.

The Irishmen surely see it as a winnable match and maybe a chance to avoid finishing bottom in the standings.

Ireland's campaign so far has been about fighting qualities and managing to stay in games even against fancied sides like South Africa and New Zealand after plotting Pakistan's ouster from the tournament.

Trent Johnston would now do all he could to ensure Ireland return to their competitive best against Bangladesh after their confidence were bruised against defending champions Australia.

And for those who see the encounter as a battle of minnows, the young Bangladesh side will be keen to dominate the proceedings, knowing fully well they have a certain edge over the rank outsiders.

Bashar was blunt today when he said, ''We have nothing more to prove to anyone in this World Cup. People will judge where we stand today.'' This is probably the last opportunity for Ireland to redeem some honour after the humiliation at the hand of Australia in the same ground. They face Sri Lanka at Grenada in their last match.

But despite Ireland playing some inspiring cricket, Bangladesh clearly is the most improved team to have raised the maximum eyebrows by upsetting India and South Africa till now before they almost defended a paltry total of 143 against England the other day.

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