Ireland Defeats Bangladesh by 12 Runs in First T20 International

Leah Paul recorded her first T20 half-century for Ireland in Sylhet. First T20 international, Sylhet Stadium Ireland 169-5 (20 overs): Paul 79, Lewis 60; Akter 1-20 Bangladesh 157-7 (20 overs): Dola 49; Kelly 2-17, Prendergast 3-24 Ireland win by 12 runs Scorecard Ireland emerged victorious over Bangladesh by 12 runs in the inaugural match of a three-game T20 international series held in Sylhet. After winning the toss, Ireland posted a formidable total of 169-5, following a 100-run collaboration between Leah Paul and captain Gaby Lewis. Subsequently, Orla Prendergast claimed three wickets and Arlene Kelly secured two, enabling Ireland to stage a remarkable recovery with their bowling attack after the home side’s quick scoring at the beginning of their chase. The second encounter of the series is scheduled for Saturday, with the concluding match set for next Monday. Earlier this month, Ireland had been defeated 3-0 in the one-day international series against the same teams, fielding a squad with an average age just under 23. Opting to bat first, Ireland saw Amy Hunter (10) dismissed early in their batting performance. Lewis, her opening partner, who assumed the role of Ireland captain from Laura Delany prior to this tour, scored 60 runs off 42 deliveries before Fariha Islam Trisna bowled her out, having established a 107-run partnership with Paul. Paul was the standout performer for Ed Joyce’s team, concluding her innings with an unbeaten 79 runs from 45 balls – marking her maiden T20 half-century – which featured two sixes and 10 fours. Both Prendergast and Delany were dismissed for low scores, yet Ireland’s aggregate score necessitated Bangladesh to achieve their highest T20 run chase for victory. The opening batters, Dilara Akter Dola and Sobhana Mostary, formed a 100-run partnership, as the home team commenced their chase vigorously – though aided by some fortune due to several missed catching opportunities. Prendergast ultimately secured the initial wicket for Ireland, dismissing Mostary for 46 runs, with Hunter completing the catch. Subsequently, Bangladesh’s wickets started falling rapidly, and their scoring rate decelerated considerably, as Kelly removed both Nigar Sultana Joty and Dola (49) within a single over. Following another squandered opportunity, Hunter stumped Taj Nehar from Aimee Maguire’s bowling, leaving the home side at 152-5. Prendergast then delivered a pivotal performance in the second-to-last over, taking out Shorna Akter and Ritu Moni in a double-wicket maiden over, thereby establishing Ireland’s dominance. Bangladesh required 18 runs for victory from the last over but could only accumulate five, losing Jannatul Ferdus in the process, as Ireland secured a 12-run win.