Ireland beat Tigresses by 12 runs in 1st T20

Ireland Women’s team beat Bangladesh by 12 runs in the three-match T20 International series opening game at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today (December 5).

Batting first, the touring side put up a strong batting performance to post 169-5 against Bangladesh in the opening game, riding on half-centuries from captain Gaby Lewis (60) and Leah Paul (79*).

Leah Paul led the charge with 45-ball 79 not out, laced with 10 fours and two sixes as the Irish side won the toss and elected to bat first.

Captain Gaby Lewis played her part well to give the side a solid start with 60 off 42, sending the ball across the ropes for seven times.

For Bangladesh, Jahanara Alam, Fariha Trishna, Nahida Akter and Jannatul Ferdous took one wicket apiece for the hosts.

Nahida Akter was the only economical bowler for the Tigresses with her 1/20 from four overs.

In reply, the women in red and green got off to a great start thanks to openers Dilara Akter (49) and Sobhana Mostary (46) who put on 103 inside 12 overs.

Dilara hit two fours and as many sixes in her 41-ball innings while Sobhana blasted three boundaries and two sixers from 35 deliveries but both missed out on their fifties.

And after the departure of the openers, the home side lost their way with the fall of wickets at regular intervals.

The hosts eventually managed to score 157 runs with the loss of seven wickets in 20 overs.

Arlene Kelly and Orla Prendergast took three wickets each for Ireland.

The second and third T20Is are scheduled for Saturday and Monday at the same venue.