Ireland's focus shifts to a format where they have consistently punched above their weight as they arrive in Chattogram for the start of the T20I series, looking to showcase the explosive brand of cricket that has made them a dangerous side.

The ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka approaches rapidly as Ireland take on Bangladesh and gain some crucial preparation in sub-continental conditions.

For Paul Stirling’s men, this series is more than just a bilateral assignment; it is another litmus test with every match preceding the tournament crucial for the visitors. Grouped alongside co-hosts Sri Lanka and perennial favourites Australia, Ireland will have little to no room for error when the marquee event does arrive.

The absence of Ross Adair due to injury will be a huge loss for the visitors, however it offers an opportunity for Jordan Neill, who had a positive start to his Test career, to get his T20I career underway.

The 2-0 red ball series defeat was a stark reminder of the rigors of touring Bangladesh, but Ireland’s squad is tailored for this format, packed with power-hitters and a fearless mindset. This is the format where Ireland would feel the most comfortable and the transition from whites to greens should liberate the visitors.

Ireland's last T20I assignment was in August against England in Dublin, where they were overpowered by the English side, but there were certain positives in Gareth Delany's 48* in final T20I, Lorcan Tucker and Curtis Campher's 123-run stand in opening T20I, Matthew Humphreys's guile and Stirling's form at top of the order. The touring side will hoping to build on those aspects and close out games, which they weren't able to do against England.

Bangladesh, led by Litton Das in this series, will be formidable at home. They remain a spin-heavy juggernaut in their own backyard. However, this Irish side has proven they can win in the sub-continent. With a victory against Bangladesh in their last encounter at this ground two years ago, the Irish will be hopeful to make a statement over the course of the series.

Players to watch

Stirling remains the heartbeat of this side. His ability to dismantle sides in the powerplay will be pivotal. Stirling was Player of the Match in the last T20I between the sides scoring 77 runs. 

Ben Calitz brings raw energy to the batting, the exciting young talent is expected to take on the spinners and can change the game in an instant. The middle order looks robust with Tector and Tucker, both of whom spent valuable time in the middle during the Tests.

With the ball, the left-arm angle of Josh Little provides world-class quality. His experience in franchise leagues globally makes him Ireland's trump card at the death. 

Watch out for Matthew Humphreys, whose left-arm spin could be the perfect counter to Bangladesh who struggled against him during the Test series. 

Head to head

Bangladesh lead the head to head with five wins compared to Ireland to with two, with one game ending in a no result.

FIXTURES:

27 November: Bangladesh Men v Ireland Men, 1st T20I Chattogram

29 November: Bangladesh Men v Ireland Men, 2nd T20I Chattogram

2 December: Bangladesh Men v Ireland Men, 3rd T20I Chattogram

Squads

Ireland: Paul Stirling (C), Mark Adair, Ben Calitz, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Tim Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Ben White, Craig Young, Jordan Neill

Bangladesh: Litton Das (c), Saif Hassan, Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Towhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Nurul Hasan Sohan, Mahidul Islam Ankon, Sheikh Mahedi Hasan, Rishad Hossain, Quazi Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam, Mohammad Saifuddin