Lose, and it must cope with the psychological blow of a 0-2 start, the desperate disappointment of its passionate supporters and the practical problem that such a defeat would leave almost no room for a further setback. To progress, it would almost certainly need to beat either a formidable South Africa team or England. England, in theory, is much less imposing, but it is a team Bangladesh has beaten only once in 14 one-day international meetings.

Ireland has at least been relieved of the pressure to save the honor of the qualifiers, thanks to the vibrant Dutch display against England. It can concentrate on its own goal, which is to follow its progression in 2007 by once again reaching the later stages.

It has only itself to blame for that task’s being tougher than it was four years ago. If it had not condemned Pakistan to an early flight home by beating it on, of all dates, St. Patrick’s Day, the organizers might not have lengthened the current tournament’s pool stage to protect — as they have admitted — the bigger teams and the commercial income they bring with them.

St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, falls during this tournament as well, but the organizers have not scheduled a match for Ireland that day.

Ireland captain William Porterfield believes his team can progress again. “I think we have a great chance of getting out of our group,” he said before the tournament.

If the task is tougher than in 2007, so is his squad. Four years ago most players were amateurs. Now all but two have professional contracts.

Newcomers since 2007 include Ed Joyce, an Irish-born batsman good enough to have played for England in the last World Cup, and teenage spin-bowler George Dockrell, who made a big impression with his control and composure amid the batting mayhem of the last World Twenty20 tournament.