Tigresses Lose to Ireland by 12 Runs in 1st T20I

Ireland set a challenging target, posting a total of 169/5— their highest score ever against Bangladesh. While the Tigresses made a strong reply, they fell short, finishing at 157/7.

The Bangladesh openers, Sobhana Mostary and Dilara Akter, provided a bright spark with a 103-run partnership, the highest ever for Bangladesh in a T20I opening stand, surpassing the previous record of 81 runs set by Ayesha Rahman and Rumana Ahmed. Despite the strong foundation, neither opener managed to reach a half-century. Mostary was dismissed for 46 off 35 balls, including three fours and two sixes.

The momentum shifted when Ireland’s Arlene Kelly struck twice in quick succession, removing Bangladesh captain Nigar Sultana Joty for 4 and then sending Dilara back for 49 off 41 balls. Dilara’s knock included two fours and two sixes, and her dismissal proved crucial in derailing Bangladesh’s chase.

Kelly and Orla Prendergast were the architects of Bangladesh's middle-order collapse, each claiming three wickets. Their disciplined bowling left the Tigresses needing 18 runs from the final over, a target they could not reach. Sharmin Akhter Supta remained not out on 23 off 13 balls, but it wasn't enough to take her side over the line.

Earlier, Ireland's batting display set the tone for the match after captain Gaby Lewis won the toss and elected to bat first. Leah Paul led the charge, finishing unbeaten on 79 from 45 balls, including 10 fours and two sixes, and was named Player of the Match. Gaby Lewis contributed with a solid 60 off 42 balls, including seven boundaries, as Ireland posted a challenging total.

Bangladesh’s bowlers—Jahanara Alam, Fariha Trishna, Nahida Akter, and Jannatul Ferdous—each took one wicket, but they couldn’t stem the tide as Ireland set a total that proved just beyond the reach of the hosts.

Earlier this week, Bangladesh had swept the three-match ODI series against Ireland in Mirpur, but today, it was the visitors who came out on top in the T20 format.