Irish batsmen step up

Apr 15, 2007

Trent Johnston called correctly and much to everyone's surprise, opted to bat on a bouncy surface at the Kensington Oval•Getty Images

Porterfield led the stand with a patient half century. Here he drives past the diving Mashrafe Mortaza•AFP

Bangladesh waited and the breakthrough finally came in the form of a run out. Bray was on his way back for 31•Getty Images

Mohammad Rafique wasn't going to let go of this one. Porterfield's stay at the crease ended with 85•AFP

Saqibul Hasan, the man in form, was run out as Ireland stepped up the pressure•Getty Images

Mushfiqur Rahim was done in by a loopy delivery from Kyle McCallan•Getty Images

Jeremy Bray and Porterfield justified Johnston's decision with a record opening stand for Ireland, adding 92•Clive Mason/Getty Images

Bray played patiently, picking the singles and playing the ball on its merits •Getty Images

Just in case we all forgot, this could have been India v Pakistan. Indian fans did eventually show up, and a few saw the funny side to it all•AFP

Shahadat Hossain, playing his first game of the tournament, appeals unsuccessfully for the wicket of William Porterfield•Getty Images

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Porterfield pulls but doesn't quite get the timing right •Getty Images

Kevin O'Brien made the most of Ireland's good start with a breezy 48 •Getty Images

Boyd Rankin removed Shahriar Nafees early in the chase•Getty Images

Tamim Iqbal threw his wicket away after a patient 59-ball 29•AFP