Ireland won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Bangladesh started strongly with opener Litton Das scoring 47 runs off 23 deliveries, including 4 fours and 3 sixes. Rony Talukdar was the top scorer for Bangladesh with 67 runs off 38 deliveries, which included 7 fours and 3 sixes. Bangladesh finished their innings at 207/5 in 19.2 overs before rain stopped play for a moment.
Ireland’s chase got off to a poor start with opener Paul Stirling getting dismissed for 17 runs off 8 deliveries. Harry Tector scored 19 runs off 12 deliveries, but no other Irish batsman could make a significant contribution. Chasing a revised target of 104 in 8 overs, Ireland could just manage 81/5, falling short by 22 runs.
Bangladesh pacer Taskin Ahmed was the standout performer with the ball, taking 4 wickets for just 16 runs in his 2 overs. Hasan Mahmud also chipped in with 1 wicket, while the other bowlers were economical.
Talukdar was awarded the ‘Player of the Match’ for his excellent batting performance.
With this victory, Bangladesh take a 1-0 lead in the three-match T20I series. The next match will be played on March 29 at the same venue.
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