Harry Tector hammered his career-best 140 as Ireland ran through Bangladesh bowling line up to post a commanding 319-6 in the second ODI today at County Ground in Chelmsford, England.
Tector smashed 10 sixes and seven fours in his brutal knock for which he played only 113 balls. George Dockrell complemented his knock with whirlwind 47 ball-74 not out as Ireland scored runs at 7.06 runs per over in match that reduced to 45 overs after rain ate up 2.15 hours.
Skipper Andrew Balbirnie chipped-in-with 42 runs. But after put into bat first, Ireland made a disastrous start as Bangladesh pacer Hasan Mahmud baffled them with an intriguing display of swing.
Mahmud had danger man Paul Striling caught by wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim for duck in just fifth over to give the side a solid start. Later in seventh over, he dismissed Stephen Doheny for 12, caught at point by Mehidy Hasan Miraz as Ireland were reduced to a precarious 16-2.
But Tector and Balbirnie rebuilt the innings with caution and aggression, making Bangladesh bowlers disarray. They put up 98 runs for the third wicket stand off 104 balls to bring the side back in contention.
Shoriful Islam broke the partnership, forcing Balbirnie to edge behind the wicket and thereafter gave the side a double delight, claiming the wicket of Lorcan Tucker (16) but ended up as the most expensive bowler of the side, conceding 83 runs for two wickets in nine overs.
Tector indeed came down heavily on his as he failed to show his mental strength.
Tector got ably support in Dockrell as the duo combined for 115 off just 68 balls for the sixth wicket. Tector who raised his fifty off 53 balls, completed his fourth century off just 93 balls, with a superb drive through wide of cover against Taijul Islam.
He looked more dangerous after hitting the ton, however, Ebadot Hossain finally ended his superb knock for his only wicket in the match, giving away 56 runs in nine overs. But Dockrell continued his aggression as Ireland amassed 56 runs in the last five overs. Mark Adair gave him the support with eight ball-20 not out with two sixes. Dockrell smote three fours and four sixes in his knock.
Hasan Mahmud claimed 2-48 to be the most successful bowler of Bangladesh.
