DHAKA, May 14, 2023 (BSS)-Skipper Tamim Iqbal finally hit a half-century after nine matches as Bangladesh posted 274 before being all out in 48.5 overs in the third and final ODI against Ireland at County Ground in Chelmsford, England today.

Bangladesh were on course of a 300 plus total but tasted a sensational collapse that saw them losing five wickets for 13 runs toward the end to be wrapped up with seven balls still to play. 

Tamim who survived on just 1 after his opposite number Andrew Balbirnie put down a regulation catch at second slip off fast bowler Jos Little in the third over, finally made 69 off 82, hitting six fours. 

Most of the Bangladeshi batters found their opportunities, but simply failed to capitalize, a reason that resisted their chance to go past 300-run mark.

Mushfiqur Rahim made 45 off 54 with three fours and one six while Najmul Hossain Shanto, the centurion of the previous game and Liton Das who moved down to No.4 position scored identical 35 runs. Mehidy Hasan Miraz added 37. 

Mark Adair was the most successful Irish bowler with 4-40 while George Dockrell and Andy McBrine claimed two wickets apiece. 

Rony Talukdar, one of the two debutants for Bangladesh alongside Mrittunjoy Chowdhory had a forgettable start to his ODI career as he replaced Liton in opening position with Tamim after the Tigers were asked to bat first.

After a shaky start, he opened his account with a boundary in the 12th ball he faced but a rash shot saw him being dismissed just two balls later.

Fresh from his maiden century, Shanto started with some confident shots before Craig Young, the only change for Ireland, dismissed him, caught by Balbirnie at slip.

Tamim and Liton Das combined for a 70-run partnership for the fourth wicket to lay a platform, but failed to make it bigger as Andy McBrine struck to have him caught by Adair at mid-off. 

George Dockrell gave the side a double delight, removing Towhid Hridoy (13) and Tamim Iqbal in quick succession to bring the side back into the contest.

With Bangladesh at 186-5, it looked all gloomy but Mushfiqur and Miraz added 77-run for the sixth wicket to raise a prospect of 300 plus total.

However, McBrine broke through again with the wicket of Mushfiqur and then Adair did the rest, running through the innings in impeccable fashion as Bangladesh lost last five wickets for just 13 runs.