Ireland started the three-match T20I series with a commanding 39-run win over Bangladesh at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram on Thursday.
Chasing 182, Bangladesh were rocked early by a top-order collapse and slipped to 20 for 4 inside the Powerplay. Towhid Hridoy and Zaker Ali tried to rebuild the innings, absorbing the pressure and pushing the score forward.
Towhid Hridoy offered the only real resistance with a fighting half-century, giving the Tigers a glimmer of hope. But with little support from the rest of the batting lineup, Bangladesh were eventually bowled out for 142, falling well short of the target.
Earlier, after being sent in to bat, Ireland posted a competitive 181 for 4. Harry Tector was the star of the innings, finishing unbeaten on 69 off 45 balls, hitting one four and five sixes. He received solid support from Lorcan Tucker (18), Curtis Campher (24 off 17), and George Dockrell (12*).
Ireland made a steady start with captain Paul Stirling scoring 21 off 18 before falling at 40 for 1. Tim Tector added impetus with a quickfire 32 off 19 balls, including six boundaries.
Bangladesh’s bowlers tried hard but struggled to contain the Irish batters. Tanzim Hasan Sakib picked up 2 for 41, while Shoriful Islam and Rishad Hossain claimed a wicket each. Mustafizur Rahman delivered the most economical spell, giving away just 23 runs.
Bd-Pratidin English/ AM
