Bangladesh national women’s team faced a narrow 12-run defeat against Ireland in the three-match T20I series opener at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on Thursday.

In pursuit of 170 runs to win, Bangladesh began their chase strongly. 

Openers Dilara Akter (49) and Sobhana Mostary (46) laid a solid foundation with a 103-run stand, maintaining an aggressive approach that yielded 56 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket.  

However, the middle order faltered under pressure from Orla Prendergast (3/24) and Arlene Kelly (3/22), whose disciplined bowling turned the tide in Ireland’s favor. Aimee Maguire also played her part by claiming a crucial wicket as Bangladesh’s chase lost momentum.  

A late cameo by Sharmin Akhter, who scored 23 off 13 balls, wasn’t enough to rescue the innings, with Bangladesh finishing at 157 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs.  

Earlier, after opting to bat first, Ireland posted a challenging total of 169/55, anchored by Leah Paul’s unbeaten 79 off 45 balls. Gaby Lewis supported her with a 60-run knock off 42 deliveries, and their 100-run partnership for the third wicket proved crucial in shaping Ireland’s innings.  

Bangladesh’s bowlers struggled to maintain consistency, with Nahida Akter standing out as the most economical, conceding just 20 runs in her four overs. Jahanara Alam, Fariha Trisna, and Jannatul Ferdus each managed to claim one wicket.  

Leah Paul was named Player of the Match for her stellar knock, which included ten boundaries and two sixes. With this result, Ireland Women lead the series 1-0.