Ireland Wolves toiled on Day 2 of their game against Bangladesh A. Ireland scored 255 in their first innings but were unable to contain the Bangladeshi batsmen who racked out 322/6 by the end of the second day. There were two wickets each for Nathan Smith [2/42] and Andy McBrine [2/63] but Ireland are definitely on the back foot going into D3. Read Full Report.
It has been confirmed that Ireland will play Pakistan in a Test Match at home in May 2018. Pakistan are due to play two Tests against England starting towards the end of May and the Irish game will likely be slotted in before this. Details on exact date and venue have yet to be confirmed.
The question of the venue raises once again the issue of the Irish Cricket Stadium. it would appear that the possibility of Government support has been kicked back for another year as a year long process involving submissions of expressions of interest from sports bodies following by detailed planning and economic evaluations is being allowed for in the Sports Budget for 2018. This process will lead to access for a promised €50 million capital fund for major sporting projects. A national Cricket Stadium is likely to be in the mix but it will be some years yet before we see progress on the ground. See article on the Sports Budget from Sport for Business.