Ireland to play Bangladesh in a T20 Series

Ireland will host a Test nation for the first time in an international Twenty20 when Bangladesh arrive for a three-match series. The matches on July 18 and 20, starting at 5pm, and 21, at 4pm, will all be played at Stormont in Belfast.

Ireland are stepping up their preparations for the World T20 in Sri Lanka in September and their coach Phil Simmons is keen to play more T20, believing his squad can find success in the shortest format.

"We have a number of players ideally suited to the short form of the game," Simmons said. "There are still a few slots up for grabs and it's an ideal opportunity for the players to make a case for themselves to be included in the World T20 squad."