Ireland skipper Andy Balbirnie is relishing the opportunity to claim another Full member scalp as his side face Bangladesh in the Plate Championship final today at McLean Park in Napier.

Speaking ahead of the clash Balbirnie said 'It's going to the highlight of our tournament. All the lads are really motivated, and we desperately want to beat a Test playing nation in a Test ground. It's doesn't get much bigger than that.'

'As a team we've done really well throughout, and if anything we seem to getting stronger, where other teams have faltered in the closing stages. My own personal form with the bat hasn't been great, but as long as the team is winning, then I'm happy.'

Balbirnie did show signs against Zimbabwe of getting some of the form which saw him score a century in the warm ups against Afghanistan. 'It's just about spending time at the crease, and it was great to be batting with Paul Stirling at the other end. He scores so quickly that the opposition bowlers are always under pressure.'

Ireland though go into the game without the services of left arm spinner George Dockrell, summoned to the senior squad in Sri Lanka. Balbirnie acknowledges it's a big loss, but believes there is enough talent in the squad to compensate for his absence.

'Losing George is a blow all right, but we have plenty of spin options in our team. We have plenty of depth in our squad, and I'm sure whoever comes in will do a good job, so I'm not too worried about him not being there.'

Bangladesh will have been disappointed by their showing in this competition – they went in as one of the favourites, only to crash out of the top eight after narrow defeats to both Pakistan and the West Indies.

They crushed PNG in the Plate semi-final, and will be formidable opponents on the slow batting track at McLean Park, following heavy rain during the past week.The forecast is for dry and cloudy conditions, so there's every chance the reserve day won't be required.