Ireland have put up a competitive total of 181 runs for 4 wickets against Bangladesh in the first T20 at the Birshreshtha Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram, setting the Tigers a target of 182 on a batting-friendly surface.
Bangladesh captain Liton Das won the toss and opted to field, but his bowlers struggled to contain the Irish batters early on. Openers Paul Stirling and Tim Tector made an aggressive start, smashing 40 runs in the first four overs.
The breakthrough came when Tanjim Hasan Shakib struck in his first over, removing Stirling for 21 off 18 balls, caught by Saif Hasan. Rishad Hossain was expensive in his opening over but bounced back to dismiss Tim Tector, who played a brisk 32 off 19 deliveries.
Shariful Islam added another breakthrough by removing Lorcan Tucker (18 off 14), but Ireland continued to build strongly through Harry Tector and Curtis Campher, who added 44 off 29 balls for the fourth wicket.
Campher fell for 24 off 17 balls, thanks to a spectacular diving catch from Parvez Hossain Emon—one of the highlights of the innings.
Harry Tector remained the standout performer, bringing up a well-paced fifty off 37 deliveries and staying unbeaten on 69 off 45 balls, including 1 four and 5 sixes. He was supported in the final overs by George Dockrell, who remained not out on 12 off 7 balls.
Bangladesh’s bowling attack had a tough outing, with only Mustafizur Rahman maintaining control. Despite going wicketless, he conceded just 23 runs in his 4 overs, while others proved expensive.
Bangladesh Bowling Summary:
Mustafizur: 4-0-23-0
Tanjim Shakib: 4-0-41-2
Shariful Islam: 4-0-42-1
Rishad Hossain: 4-0-34-1
With a fast outfield and dew expected later, Bangladesh will back themselves in the chase — but Ireland’s total has ensured a thrilling second innings is on the cards.