While the Indian Premier League is heating up in its penultimate week of round robin play, another format of cricket is about to commence across the ocean. The rising force of Ireland looks to clinch ODI World Cup qualification over the next five days against Bangladesh in Chelmsford.
With Ireland coming off a string of bad results in 2023 and Bangladesh having had quite the opposite form, this series may appear cut and dry on paper. However, with the potential for Ireland to gain direct World Cup qualification (at the expense of South Africa) and Bangladesh playing away from home in sub-optimal conditions, this could be quite the fascinating series.
We break down the latest betting odds ahead of the first Ireland vs. Bangladesh ODI and outline the best bets to make with bookmaker William Hill.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: May 8th, 9:00 P.M. (GMT)
Looking at the outright betting odds for the first ODI, we can see that bookmaker William Hill has Bangladesh with the upper hand here. The visitors are paying 1.44 to win against Ireland’s 2.75. Based on these odds, the series as a whole will either be 3-0 to Bangladesh or a 2-1 split.
It’s important to note two things heading into this series: form and conditions. In terms of form, Bangladesh has had it all their way. Their most recent action was against none other than Ireland, playing an ODI series, T20 series, and a one-off Test match in Bangladesh. The home team dropped just the one match—the final T20—winning all three of the individual series. They also have recent series wins over England and India in white ball cricket and are at a strong World No. 7 in ODIs.
Ireland, on the other hand, has only won two matches since failing to qualify for the playoffs at the T20 World Cup. This was that final T20 against Bangladesh in March, as well as another T20 against Zimbabwe in January. Outside of this, they lost their remaining matches against Bangladesh and most recently were swept 2-0 in a Test series against Sri Lanka.
While form is undoubtedly against Ireland, what does play in their favour are the conditions. As the home side, Ireland will be much more comfortable—the contrast between the hot, humid conditions of the subcontinent, and the overcast, chilly atmosphere of Ireland couldn’t be starker. Add to this the fact that Bangladesh has had just a solitary day of practice in Ireland, courtesy of rain and scheduling conflicts.
※ Current Odds Date & Time: May 8th, 9:00 P.M. (GMT)
With the sudden shift in conditions, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Ireland came away victorious in this first ODI. Their bowling attack has been bolstered by the return of Josh Little, Ireland’s star fast bowler who has come back from IPL duty. Those who are a little too conservative to back Ireland to win outright might want to consider wagering on Little to be Ireland’s top bowler at 3.75. Either way, there’s a strong return to be made here if the men in green do their part.
