Ireland stun Bangladesh despite Hridoy’s heroics

Towhid Hridoy’s brilliant unbeaten 83 wasn’t enough to save Bangladesh as they slumped to a 39-run defeat against Ireland in the first T20 of the three-match series in Chittagong on Thursday.

Chasing a target of 182, Bangladesh crumbled early, losing 4 wickets for just 18 runs, and were eventually restricted to 142 for 9 in their 20 overs.

Ireland now lead the series 1-0, handing Bangladesh a rude awakening immediately after their Test clean sweep.

Bangladesh collapse early

The run chase fell apart within the powerplay as: Tanzid Hasan Tamim (2), Litton Das (1), Parvez Hossain Emon (1), and Saif Hassan (6) –all departed cheaply.

Matthew Humphreys triggered the collapse, ending with a match-winning spell of 4-13, while Barry McCarthy added 3-23.

Only Hridoy resisted, bringing up his fifty off 34 balls and finishing with 83 off 50 deliveries, including 7 fours and 3 sixes—his best T20I knock to date.

Irish batting power fires early

Batting first, Ireland posted 181 for 4, thanks to a superb innings from Harry Tector, who smashed 69 off 45 balls with five sixes.

Earlier, openers Paul Stirling and Tim Tector gave the visitors a flying start, scoring 40 runs in the first four overs.

Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled throughout except for Mustafizur Rahman, who bowled economically for 0-23 in his four overs. Tanjim Hasan Sakib took 2 wickets but leaked 41 runs.

The second match of the series will decide whether Bangladesh can bounce back — or if Ireland will push them to the brink.