Ireland have once again announced themselves on the world stage, with a stunning six wicket win over Bangladesh at Trent Bridge in their opening fixture in the ICC World Twenty20.

A magnificent all-round display by the Irish saw them emerge deserved winners, securing the victory with 10 balls to spare to set off great scenes of celebration among the considerable Irish support.

The heroes of the victory over Pakistan in 2007 were again to the fore – the O'Brien brothers and Trent Johnston. Kevin O'Brien was the ‘finisher', hitting 39 not out from just 17 deliveries, with four crashing boundaries and two huge sixes.

Earlier, Niall had got the Irish innings back on track after the early loss of Jeremy Bray, with a Man of the Match 40 from just 25 balls. That included 3 fours and 3 magnificent sixes, all in the same over, the fifth of the innings, bowled by Mortaza.

He and skipper William Porterfield (23), added 55 in 41 balls, to put Ireland firmly in control. O'Brien was hampered by an ankle injury, which required a runner, but his whirlwind innings was just what Ireland needed.

One shouldn't underestimate the contribution of John Mooney (17*), as he and Kevin O'Brien brought Ireland home with an unbroken 5th wicket stand of 49 in just 4 overs.

Ireland bowled and fielded superbly, restricting Bangladesh to 137 for 8, with former skipper Trent Johnston having the excellent analysis of 3 for 20 in his inspired four over spell. Their boundary count was just 10 in the entire innings, with none coming off the bat between the 7th and 19th overs.

Masrafe Mortaza blasted 33 not out from just 15 balls, taking 20 from the final over bowled by Alex Cusack., but his was the only real bright note in a poor batting display by the much vaunted Bangladesh line up. Six players reached double figures, but apart from Mortaza, none kicked on.

Ireland's spinners, Kyle McCallan (1-17), and ReganWest (1-25) bowled with great variety and control. McCallan also was involved in running out Tamim Iqbal via his chest and leg. When that happened, there was certainly a sense in the camp that this could very well be their day.

That belief was further reinforced by a brilliant piece of glove-work from Niall O'Brien to stump Mahmudullah off the bowling of Cusack. The Northants keeper lightning reflexes just securing the dismissal by a fraction.

Ireland now face defending champions India at Trent Bridge on Wednesday, and stay there on Thursday for a fixture against New Zealand. They then move to London where they take on Sri Lanka at Lord's on Sunday, and either Pakistan or The Netherlands at The Oval on Monday.

Scoreboard
At Trent Bridge,

Bangladesh 137/8 (M Mortaza 33*, T Iqbal 22, T Johnston 3-20) lost to Ireland 138/4 (18.2 overs, N O'Brien 40, K O'Brien 39*, W Porterfield 23, M Mortaza 2-30) by 6 wickets.