Bangladesh v Ireland: Ireland win first T20 in Bangladesh series
Ireland defeated Bangladesh by 12 runs in the first match of the three-match T20 international series in Sylhet.
Ireland won the coin toss and posted an impressive score of 169-5 after a century-long partnership from Leah Paul and captain Gaby Lewis.
Orla Prendergast then took three wickets and Arlene Kelly two as Ireland responded with the ball after a quick start from the home team. A wonderful counterattack was achieved.
The second game of the series will be played on Saturday and the final game will be played next Monday.
Earlier this month, Ireland lost the one-day international series 3-0 with a squad whose average age was under 23.
After deciding to bat first, Ireland lost Amy Hunter (No. 10) early in the innings.
Her teammate Lewis, who succeeded Laura Delany as Ireland captain ahead of this tour, made 60 off 42 balls before being beaten by Fariha Islam Trisna) knocked down, she was tied with Paul at 107 points.
Paul stole the show for Ed Joyce’s side as she smashed 79 off 45 balls, her first T20 half-century, including two sixes and 10 Four goals.
Prendergast and Delany both fell short, but Ireland’s total means Bangladesh will need to produce their highest T20 runs to win.
