Bangladesh level T20 series with Ireland
Bangladesh levelled their T20 series with Ireland in dramatic fashion, securing a nail-biting win by four wickets with just two deliveries left at the Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium, Chattogram, on Saturday.
Set a target of 171 after Ireland posted 170 for six from their allotted 20 overs, Bangladesh reached 174 for six in 19.4 overs, setting up a winner-takes-all decider in Mirpur on Tuesday. The result comes after Ireland comfortably won the opening match by 39 runs on Thursday.
Batting first, Ireland’s openers Paul Stirling (29) and Tim Tector (38) laid the foundation with a brisk 57-run partnership for the first wicket, Stirling peppering the boundary with two sixes and three fours in a lively cameo.
Tector’s dismissal in the ninth over left Ireland at 88 for two, and the visitors quickly lost Harry Tector (11) and Ben Calitz (7), slowing their momentum.
However, a resolute 56-run stand between George Dockrell (18) and Lorcan Tucker, who top-scored with a fluent 41, helped Ireland recover and set a competitive total.
Bangladesh’s Sjak Mahedi Hasan was outstanding with the ball, claiming figures of three for 25.
Bangladesh’s reply began shakily with the early loss of Tanzid Hasan Tamim (7), but Parvez Hossain Emon (43) and skipper Litton Kumer Das (57) steadied the ship, advancing the hosts to 138 for three after 15 overs. Their departures triggered a wobble, as Saif Hassan (22), Tawhid Hridoy (6), and Nurul Hasan Sohan (5) fell in quick succession, putting Bangladesh under pressure.
Ultimately, Mohammad Saifuddin (17 not out) and Mahedi Hasan (6 not out) held their nerve, guiding Bangladesh to victory in the final over.
For Ireland, Mark Adair and Gareth Delany were the pick of the bowlers with two wickets apiece.
The sides now head to Mirpur with the series tantalisingly poised at 1-1, promising a thrilling conclusion to the contest.