Ireland Women won by 12 runs

After a whitewash in the ODI series in Bangladesh, the Ireland women's team bounced back with an impressive victory in the T20 series, starting with a 12-run win. The match, held at the Sylhet International Stadium, saw Ireland set a target of 170 runs for Bangladesh. The Irish team clinched the match with a 12-run victory.

In the chase for 170, Bangladesh needed 18 runs from the last two overs. Ireland’s Orla Prendergast stepped up and took two wickets in a brilliant maiden over. As a result, the required run rate remained the same even in the final six balls. Sharmin Akhter Supta, despite remaining unbeaten, could not guide her team to victory. Ultimately, Bangladesh’s innings ended at 157 runs for 7 wickets.

In their pursuit of 170, Bangladesh's opening pair, Dilara Akhter and Subahana Mostari, got off to a flying start. In the first six overs of the powerplay, Bangladesh scored 56 runs. They reached the team total of 100 runs in the 11.1 over. However, despite this fantastic beginning, the Tigers lost three quick wickets between the 103rd and 110th runs. Neither of the opening batsmen managed to score a fifty.

Subahana's 46-run knock ended when she was dismissed, breaking the 103-run partnership. Captain Nigar Sultana, who came in at number three, could not score more than 4 runs. Dilara, one of the openers, fell just short of fifty, dismissed for 49. Taj Nehar, though steady, couldn't extend her innings and was out for 19, hitting three boundaries from 14 balls.

Sharmin Akhter Supta remained resolute in her batting, keeping Bangladesh in the hunt. However, it was the dramatic final two overs that sealed the 12-run loss for Bangladesh. Sharmin made a cameo of 23 runs from 13 balls but failed to lead her team to victory.

Earlier, Ireland won the toss and chose to bat first. They posted a total of 169/5 in their allotted 20 overs. However, the Irish team lost their opener Amy Hunter early, who scored 10 runs.

Ireland's captain, Gaby Lewis, helped stabilize the innings with a crucial fifty. She was supported by Leah Paul, who remained unbeaten on fifty. Lewis's knock of 60 runs came from 42 balls, including seven fours and two sixes. Leah Paul played a blistering innings of 79 runs from 58 balls, featuring 10 fours and two sixes.

None of the Bangladesh bowlers could trouble the Irish batters significantly. Jahanara Alam, Fariha Trishna, Nahida Akter, and Jannatul Ferdous each took one wicket.

Despite a valiant effort from Bangladesh, the Irish team's strong batting and disciplined bowling earned them a well-deserved 12-run victory.