Bangladesh Emerging team took an unassailable 3-0 lead in the five-match unofficial ODI series after beating the visiting Ireland Wolves comprehensively by eight wickets in the fourth game at the Sher-e-Bangla National Stadium in Mirpur yesterday.

Bangladesh reached the small target of 183 runs set by Ireland in 41.3 overs, riding on unbeaten 80s from opener Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Towhid Hridoy. After the first ODI was cancelled due to an Irish player testing positive for Covid-19, the hosts have won the next three games, therefore winning the series with a game remaining.

Bangladesh, however, were in a spot of bother and were struggling on 10 for two inside the first four overs. Right-arm pacer Peter Chase dealt the early blows, removing opener Tanzid Tamim and Yasir Ali cheaply.

But since then, the two former under-19 World Cup-winning teammates Mahmudul and Hridoy steadied the ship. The pair joined in an unbeaten 176-run third-wicket stand to guide the hosts to a an easy win.Hridoy top-scored with 88 off 97 balls, featuring nine fours, while Mahmudul scored 80 off 135 balls with eight fours.

Earlier, taking first guard, the Ireland Wolves batsmen struggled from the start. Pacer Sumon Khan was the pick of the bowlers, picking up four wickets for 31 runs from his 8.1 overs while another pacer Mukidul Islam, Rakibul Hasan and skipper Saif Hasan took two wickets each as Ireland Wolves were all out for 182 in 46.2 overs.

Irish top-order batsman Adair top-scored with 40 off 49 balls while Ruhan Pretorius added 35 as none of the other visiting batters were able to make an impact with the bat.

The fifth and final match of the series will take place tomorrow at the same venue. The visitors are also scheduled to take part in two-match unofficial T20I series after the ODI series.