NOTTINGHAM: Ireland qualified for playing in the Super Eight stage of the World Twenty20 2009 as they defeated Bangladesh by six wickets to knock them out of the tournament here at Trent Bridge on Monday.
Chasing 138, Ireland achieved their target in 18.2 overs by losing four wickets.
Their top scorers were Neil O’Brien (40) and Kevin O’Brien (39 not out). Neilstruck three sixes and three fours while Kevin hit two sixes and four boundaries.
For Bangladesh, Mashrafe Mortaza claimed two wickets while Shahadat Hossain and Abdul Razzaq took one wicket each.
Earlier, Trent Johnston grabbed three wickets for 20 runs as Ireland restricted Bangladesh to a modest 137-8..
The Australian-born Johnston, aged 35, bowled all his four overs with the new ball to wreck Bangladesh’s top order after Ireland won the toss and elected to field in overcast conditions at the Trent Bridge.
Bangladesh, who lost their opening match to India, lost half their side by the 11th over with just 66 runs on the board.
Opener Tamim Iqbal was the only frontline batsman to offer any semblence of resistence, making 22 before he was run out.
Mashrafe Mortaza hit a quickfire 33 not out towards the end, including 20 runs in the last over from Alex Cusack, as the last three wickets added 71 valuable runs.