Ireland recovered from their Test series defeat to stun Bangladesh by 39 runs in the first T20I played at the Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram on November 27.
Ireland stun Bangladesh in first T20I
Batting first, Ireland posted a strong total of 181/4, powered by Harry Tector’s unbeaten knock of 69 runs. Ireland’s bowlers then delivered a stellar performance to dismantle the hosts’ batting order. Matthew Humphreys led the attack, claiming four wickets, while Barry McCarthy provided exceptional support, taking three wickets of his own. Their combined effort restricted Bangladesh to just 142 for nine, clinching the 39-run victory margin for Ireland.
Harry Tector's brilliant 69 powers Ireland to strong total
The Irish innings started strongly, powered by the aggression of the top order. Captain Paul Stirling (21 off 18 balls, 4x4) and Tim Tector forged a 40-run opening partnership before Stirling was caught by Saif Hassan off Tanzim Hasan Sakib inside the powerplay. Tim Tector continued the momentum, racing to 32 off just 19 deliveries (6x4) and catapulting Ireland to 71 for one in just eight overs, before being dismissed by leg-spinner Rishad Hossain (1-34) around the halfway stage.
Anchoring the middle order, Harry Tector produced the definitive performance, top-scoring with a sizzling unbeaten 69 runs off 45 balls, which included five massive sixes and one boundary. He received crucial support in the slog overs from Lorcan Tucker (18 off 14), Curtis Campher (24 off 17), and George Dockrell (12* off 7). Their collective late hitting propelled Ireland to a commanding total of 181 for four. For Bangladesh, Tanzim Hasan Sakib was the most successful bowler, picking up a second wicket at the death to finish with figures of 2 for 41.
Matthew Humphreys breaks Bangladesh's back
Chasing a target of 182, Bangladesh’s innings suffered a spectacular collapse right at the outset, crashing to a disastrous 18 for four inside just 5.3 overs as all four top-order batters fell inside the powerplay. Pacer Mark Adair led the charge with the new ball, claiming the crucial wickets of Parvez Hossain Emon and Litton Das, finishing his spell with an impressive 2 for 20. Spinners Matthew Humphreys and pacer Barry McCarthy also contributed a wicket each inside the first six overs, effectively putting the hosts on the mat early in the chase.
Hridoy's Valiant but Vain Effort
A brief period of resistance saw Jaker Ali add 20 crucial runs in the middle order, but his dismissal to McCarthy triggered another rapid slide. Bangladesh’s troubles deepened dramatically, worsening from 66 for four to a near-hopeless 74 for eight. Despite the carnage, Towhid Hridoy, batting at number five, produced a rebellious and magnificent unbeaten knock of 83 runs off just 50 balls to prevent a complete rout. Hridoy’s singular effort ultimately served only to reduce the margin of defeat to 39 runs, as Bangladesh finished their innings at 142 for nine. The Irish bowling attack was sensational, with Matthew Humphreys claiming career-best figures of 4 for 13, brilliantly supported by Barry McCarthy, who finished with three wickets for 23 runs.