Mirpur, Feb 25: Hosts Bangladesh registered their first win of the 2011 ICC World Cup by beating Ireland in a closely contested game here at the Shere Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur today. Bangladesh, who posted a total of 205, managed to bowl Ireland out for 178, securing a 27-run win.

Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan won the toss and opted to bat first. Opener Tamim Iqbal got the hosts off to a brisk start, the first 50 runs coming in just 5.4 overs. But beginning with the dismissal of Imrul Kayes (12) with the score at 53, Bangladesh lost wickets at regular intervals. Iqbal (44) remained the highest scorer in the side followed by Raqibul Hasan (38) and Mushfiqur Rahim (36). Bangladesh were bowled out for 205 in 49.2 overs with medium-pacer Andre Botha being the pick of the Irish bowlers with figures of three for 32.

The Bangladeshi bowlers proved to be a fistful for Ireland, floundering in their chase. Ireland lost wickets at regular intervals with Shafiul Islam (4/21), Shakib Al Hasan (2/28) and Mohammad Ashraful (2/42) doing the bulk of the damage for the hosts. In the end, World Cup debutants Ireland were left to rue a missed opportunity as they were bowled out 27-runs short of Bangladesh’s score of 205.

Brief scores:Bangladesh 205 all out in 49.2 overs (Tamim Iqbal 44, Raqibul Hasan 38, Andre Botha 3/32) beat Ireland 178 all out in 45 overs (Niall O’Brien 38, Shafiul Islam 4/21, Shakib Al Hasan 2/28) by 27 runs

Man-of-the-Match:Tamim Iqbal for his brisk innings of 44 from 43 balls that propelled Bangladesh to a respectable total of 205.