HIGHLIGHTS Bangladesh vs Ireland, Ireland in Bangladesh 3 T20I Series 2025, 1st T20- Result, Scorecard

Welcome back for Bangladesh's reply with the bat. Ireland have got runs on the board, and that is always a luxury. We saw that pace offs and cutters worked in the first innings, but it all comes down to the execution. The Irish players scatter throughout the field and take their positions. Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan will open for Bangladesh. And interestingly, Ireland are going with spin first up. Matthew Humphreys, with his left-arm orthodox, will get us underway in the chase. Tanzid to face. Here we go...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Well then, 182 is the magic number for Bangladesh to chase and get an early lead in the series. But given how their batting order was inconsistent against West Indies at this very venue, and the way they failed to chase down modest totals, it won't be an easy task to hunt this huge number down. They will need a strong foundation, just as Ireland managed to get. Litton Das and Tawhid Hridoy will play a key role in engineering it. Whereas Mark Adair and Josh Little will be pivotal for Ireland to get early breakthroughs. Chase is on the other side of the break. Stay tuned.

Harry Tector is up for a quick chat. He says that he is happy with the way they finished. Adds that it was tough out there and he lost a bit of momentum in the middle but found it back towards the end. Mentions that if you try to hit it too hard, you will struggle on this surface and it is better to bat around the 4th and 5th gear and put away the loose ones. Says that playing in the BPL has obviously helped him gain experience but you also have to be present and adjust according to what's in front of you. Ends by saying that he hopes that they have enough runs on the board and backs his bowlers to defend it.

The productive template for Ireland was the way they weaved partnerships together. Every partnership went past 30 runs. Harry Tector, now well-settled, just went into an overdrive mode in the backend. He got off to his well-deserved half century and helped Ireland score 54 runs off the final five overs. From Bangladesh's point of view, barring Mustafizur Rahman, who conceded below run-a-ball in his four overs, everyone else was taken apart.

Spin was introduced to clamp down the scoring rate after the restrictions were lifted. The Tector brothers, however, worked well in alliance to settle nicely as Bangladesh kept ringing the bowling changes to prevent them from getting the momentum. The two brothers were still going at a fair clip, but Rishad broke through at a crucial moment. And that sucked out some momentum from the innings. Despite of a bit of a lull in the middle, Harry Tector didn't allow the pressure to creep in and formed decent partnerships first with Lorcan Tucker and Curtis Campher, who played a good foil to him. Bangladesh bowlers, on occasions, served a lot of looseners which were duly punished. Ireland constantly progressed at around 8-9 an over with spinners proving nearly ineffective, with both Nasum and Rishad leaking 71 runs off their eight overs.

The pitch was a good one to bat on, and Ireland got off the blocks straightaway. Paul Stirling and debutant Tim Tector provided a sensational start for the tourists as the ball came nicely onto the bat. Tector, in particular, timed the ball to perfection and was the real aggressor. Stirling also got off to a decent start but lost his wicket in an attempt to keep the tempo up. But overall, the Powerplay exchanges went Ireland's way, as they were up and running with 48/1 on the board.

A job well done with the bat by Ireland as they get past that 180-run figure. Another disappointing bowling performance by Bangladesh at Chattogram as they just weren't allowed to settle in with their lines and lengths. Yes, there were attempts to arrest the scoring rate with pace offs, but barring Mustafizur Rahman, nobody utilised and executed the variations well enough. This is Ireland's highest T20I score at Chattogram and they surely will be the happier of the two sides heading into the sheds.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Harry Tector, Just a single to end the innings then! Tanzim Hasan Sakib bowls this fuller and outside off, Harry Tector squeezes it out off the outer half of the bat towards shrot third for one. Ireland finish on 181/4!

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Harry Tector, SIX MORE! Even bigger this time. A slower one, full and on middle, Harry Tector reads it early. He waits for it, gets under it and launches it high and handsomely over the long on fence for half a dozen more.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Harry Tector, SIX! Clears the fence! Tanzim Hasan Sakib misses his length and serves this in the slot, on middle. Harry Tector clears his front leg out and dispatches it towards long on. The fielder thinks he is in the game but the ball sails well over his head for a biggie.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Harry Tector, Bangs this into the pitch, on off, takes pace off, Harry Tector heaves it away wide of deep mid-wicket and comes back for the second run. Litton Das is not happy with the fielding effort here.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to George Dockrell, Back of a length and on off, George Dockrell pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Harry Tector, Slower one, hard length and on middle, Harry Tector toe-ends it towards long on for a single.

That was an excellent 19th over from The Fizz. Just 5 singles from it. His cutters and slower ones forced the batters to manufacture the shots, but Rahman executed well enough to keep them tied up. Tanzim Hasan Sakib (3-0-24-2) will bowl the final over.

Mustafizur Rahman to Harry Tector, DROPPED! Despite that, a fantastic penultimate over from the Fizz. Pitched up and on off, Harry Tector tries to slog it away but gets a top edge. The ball goes miles in the air towards the mid on region. Mustafizur Rahman reacts a bit late to run backwards and puts in a dive but does not even get a hand on it. They cross.

Mustafizur Rahman to George Dockrell, Slower bouncer, on middle, George Dockrell miscues his pull shot off the bottom of the bat towards square leg for one.

Mustafizur Rahman to George Dockrell, Swing and a miss! Lands this on a good length and outside off, angling away, pace on. George Dockrell has a swipe across the line but misses.

Mustafizur Rahman to Harry Tector, Hard length and around middle, Harry Tector heaves it off the inner half of the bat towards square leg for another run.

Mustafizur Rahman to George Dockrell, Slower one, short of a length and on off, George Dockrell drags it to long on for a run.

Mustafizur Rahman to Harry Tector, Back of a length and on off, Harry Tector forces it down to long off for a single.

Last two overs coming up! Can Ireland get past 180? Mustafizur Rahman (3-0-18-0) to bowl the penultimate.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to George Dockrell, FOUR! Good shot! Much fuller and outside off, George Dockrell extends his arms to reach out for it and carves it over extra cover for another boundary.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Harry Tector, FIFTY FOR TECTOR! Off 37 deliveries. 7th T20I half century for Tector. A fantastic knock from him and he continues to shine for Ireland at the international stage. Pitched up and on off, Harry Tector drills it to extra cover where a fumble allows a run. Tector raises his bat and soaks in all the applause.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to George Dockrell, Takes pace off again, short of a length and on off, George Dockrell slaps it to long on for one.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to George Dockrell, FOUR! Cheeky! Slower delivery, back of a length and on off, George Dockrell waits for it and opens the face of his bat to guide it between the keeper and fly slip for a boundary. 150 up for Ireland.

George Dockrell is in at number 6.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Curtis Campher, OUT! TAKEN! That is a spectacular catch from Parvez Hossain Emon. This is fuller in length from Tanzim Hasan Sakib, outside off. Curtis Campher backs away to loft it but has to reach for it and only manages to get a top edge. The ball flies high in the air over the point region. Emon from short third runs a long way to his right and flings himself to his right to grab a stunner. He made sure to hold onto it even after his hands hit the ground hard. The third umpire is summoned to check the legality of the catch. It is deemed a fair catch after a few replays roll in. Campher goes back for 24 off 17, and Ireland are 149/4.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Harry Tector, Back of a length and on off, Harry Tector stabs it out to extra cover for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Curtis Campher, Beaten! Hits the length hard and on middle, angles away, Curtis Campher swings for the hill but only connects with thin air. 12 runs off the over!

Ireland have already gone past their previous highest first inning total at Chattogram, which was 126/3, back in 2023. They have a perfect launchpad to go big in the final three overs coming up.

Mustafizur Rahman to Curtis Campher, WIDE! Tries the slower bouncer, on middle, but this is too high for the batter. Curtis Campher backs away to upper cut but misses. Wided.

Mustafizur Rahman to Curtis Campher, FOUR! Excellent shot! Pace on, full and on middle, Curtis Campher uses his feet to swipe it away but his bat turns in his hands. It flies off the inside half of the bat towards the vacant deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary now.

Mustafizur Rahman to Curtis Campher, SIX! Powered away! Back of a length and around off, takes pace off. Curtis Campher waits for it on the back foot and whacks it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a flat six.

Mustafizur Rahman to Curtis Campher, Another dot! Bangs in a quick bouncer this time, on middle, Curtis Campher tries to pull it away but this time gets beaten by the bounce.

Mustafizur Rahman to Curtis Campher, Swing and a miss! Slower delivery, full and on off, angling across the batter, Curtis Campher swings across the line very early and fails to connect.

Mustafizur Rahman to Harry Tector, Back of a length and outside off, Harry Tector tries to cut it but gets a bottom edge wide of the keeper. Litton Das quickly moves to his left to make a half stop. The batters steal a single.

Mustafizur Rahman, the most economical bowler for Bangladesh this evening, is back on. 2-0-6-0 are his bowling figures so far. Both the spinners are done with their spells, and Shoriful has also completed his four overs. Which means 'The Fizz' and Sakib will wrap it up the remaining. They need wickets to clamp down the momentum that is with Ireland. Anything above 160 would be a challenging total.

Nasum Ahmed to Curtis Campher, FOUR! That spoils the over! Flighted, full and on off. Curtis Campher moves across early, goes down to get inside the line of it and swipes it over and wide of the short fine leg fielder for a boundary. 9 runs off the over. Nasum Ahmed finishes his spell wicketless.

Nasum Ahmed to Harry Tector, Pushed through quicker, fullish and on off, Harry Tector pushes it through covers for one more.

Nasum Ahmed to Curtis Campher, Drags his length back again, on leg, Curtis Campher makes room and slaps it to sweeper cover for one.

Nasum Ahmed to Harry Tector, Goes short and on leg, angling in, Harry Tector backs away and cuts it through point for another run.

Nasum Ahmed to Curtis Campher, Flatter, full and on middle, Curtis Campher uses his feet and drags it off the inside half of the bat through mid-wicket for a run.

Nasum Ahmed to Harry Tector, Floated, short and on middle, Harry Tector punches it to extra cover for a single.

Nasum Ahmed to bowl out now. His figures read 3-0-28-0 so far.

Shoriful Islam to Harry Tector, Slower one, on a length, outside off. Harry Tector waits for it to arrive and dabs it wide of backward point for a single. An expensive over from Shoriful Islam as he goes for 14 runs in his final over. He finishes with figures reading 4-0-42-1.

Shoriful Islam to Curtis Campher, Nicely bowled, and good proactivity in running between the two ends. Good cricket overall. Islam spears in a yorker, on middle. Campher digs it out in the vacant mid-wicket region and crosses over for a single.

Shoriful Islam to Harry Tector, Banged into the pitch, short and outside off. Harry Tector slashes it off the back foot to deep backward point for a single.

Shoriful Islam to Harry Tector, SIX! Targets the shortest boundary and sails it all the way! Short from Shoriful, on top of middle and leg. Harry Tector reads the length early, gets in a nice position by creating a stable base and pulls it over deep mid-wicket for a six.

Shoriful Islam to Curtis Campher, Tries to be cheeky there! Curtis attempts a scoop shot on a fuller length, aimed at the sticks, but misses on the inside edge. The ball then rebounds into the point region and they cross for a leg bye.

Shoriful Islam to Curtis Campher, FOUR! Straight as an arrow! Overpitched delivery from Islam, on off. Curtis Campher shimmies down the track and spanks it straight down the ground for a boundary to the right of long off.

Rishad Hossain to Harry Tector, Slips in a full toss, on off, Harry Tector tries to hit it too hard, and mistimes it off the toe end of the bat to extra cover. Rishad would feel he got away with that one. Rishad Hossain is done with his spell with figures of 4-0-34-1.

Rishad Hossain to Curtis Campher, Looped on the stumps, hoicked away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Rishad Hossain to Curtis Campher, Flights up a length ball and keeps it wide on off. Curtis Campher goes for the slog sweep, but misses it by a fair margin.

Rishad Hossain to Harry Tector, Excellent effort from Saif Hassan in the deep! But has he done well enough to save a boundary? This is real drag-downer from Rishad, on off. Harry Tector backs away and cuts it very hard through point. The ball races away toward the ropes, but Saif Hassan from deep extra cover, runs and dives across to his left to cut it off. He does flick the ball in, but in this process, he slides onto the ropes. But the third umpire confirms that he flicked the ball before making any contact with the boundary cushions. A run saved.

Rishad Hossain to Curtis Campher, Tossed up, on the leg stump, Curtis Campher steers it to the left of square leg for an easy single.

Rishad Hossain to Harry Tector, Stump-to-stump, on a short length. Harry Tector hangs back and nudges it through mid-wicket for a single. Looks for the second, but the fielder from the deep is quick to get to the ball.

Shoriful Islam to Harry Tector, Slammed on a length, on top of off. Harry Tector stabs it into the cover region for a quick single. A very successful over for Bangladesh. A wicket and just three singles off it.

Shoriful Islam to Curtis Campher, Into the pitch, angling on middle and leg. Curtis Campher nudges it from the crease and gets a single as the ball travels to deep square leg.

Shoriful Islam to Curtis Campher, On a length, on off. Curtis Campher bunts it down the pitch by pressing forward.

Curtis Campher is the next man in.

Shoriful Islam to Lorcan Tucker, OUT! CAUGHT! Good comeback from Shoriful Islam as he breaks the 34-run stand for the third wicket. On a length, around off. It holds into the surface and arrives a bit later than Lorcan anticipated. He does not pick the slower delivery and goes through his shot early to hit it into the cover gap, but ends up chipping it off the toe end of the bat. Parvez Hossain Emon at extra cover takes a sharp catch to his left. Lorcan Tucker departs on 18 (14) and Ireland are 105/3.

Shoriful Islam to Lorcan Tucker, Loose from Tucker! Fired fuller and fairly outside off. Lorcan Tucker does not move his feet much and chases a wide delivery to hit it over the off side, but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Shoriful Islam to Harry Tector, Pace off and into the pitch, outside off. Harry waits for it before cutting it square on the off side for a single.

Shoriful Islam comes back into the attack now. He has conceded 26 runs in his first 2 overs.

Nasum Ahmed to Lorcan Tucker, Good running! Slower on a fuller length, Lorcan Tucker gets forward and pushes it along the ground to the widish long on region. The fielder is a bit late to get on the ball to his right and they cross for a couple of runs.

Nasum Ahmed to Lorcan Tucker, FOUR! Gets it through cleverly! Nasum slides in at the pads, on a fuller length. Lorcan Tucker sweeps it to the left of the short fine leg fielder for a boundary. 100 UP FOR IRELAND.

Nasum Ahmed to Lorcan Tucker, Around off, on a fuller length, steered off the front foot to the backward point fielder.

Nasum Ahmed to Lorcan Tucker, DROPPED AND SIX! A tough chance though. Parvez Hossain Emon is the guilty party in the deep. Tucker shimmies down the track and lofts this full delivery over long on. It is not timed well enough and Parvez Hossain Emon circles under it. He tries to take it and even gets a hand on it, but ends up popping it into the fence. Tucker adds half a dozen to his name.

Nasum Ahmed to Harry Tector, Slowish through the air, on a length, on off. Harry Tector backs away and punches it to get it past cover, but Jaker Ali dives to his left and makes a half-stop. A single taken.

Nasum Ahmed to Lorcan Tucker, Floated fuller and around off, Lorcan Tucker smashes it through the mid off and extra cover gap for a single.

Rishad Hossain to Harry Tector, Cannot pierce the gap! Nicely tossed up, full and outside off, Harry Tector creates width for himself and drills it away to the off side, but finds the fielder at extra cover.

Rishad Hossain to Lorcan Tucker, An appeal for LBW, but not given. Clearly going down leg with the angle. Rishad gets a good drift onto the leg stump line, on a fuller length. Lorcan Tucker gets down on a knee to play the sweep shot, but misses and is struck onto the front pad. The ball deflects towards short fine leg and they cross for a leg bye.

Rishad Hossain to Lorcan Tucker, FOUR! One bounce, and into the fence! Ireland looking to rebuild again through positive intent. Pitched up from Hossain, around off. Lorcan Tucker creates room for himself and launches it over mid off. It is hit a bit straight and the ball beats the long off fielder to his right for a boundary.

Rishad Hossain to Harry Tector, Tossed up, full and on the leg stump. Harry Tector whips it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Rishad Hossain to Harry Tector, SIX! He has picked the bones out of it! Rishad serves a juicy half volley, on middle and off, Harry Tector clears the front leg and slogs it powerfully over wide long on for a huge six.

Rishad Hossain to Lorcan Tucker, Tossed up, on the leg stump, drilled down to long on for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. This has been a decent fightback from Bangladesh. They have conceded only 29 runs after the end of the Powerplay. Rishad Hossain and Mustafizur Rahman have sucked the momentum out of this Irish innings to an extent as they have varied their pace cunningly on a surface that has a good pace and bounce. The start was blistering from Ireland, with 48 runs coming off the first six with Tim Tector being the real aggressor. But things slowly shifted toward Bangladesh after his wicket. Ireland will look to up the run rate while Bangladesh will aim to pick up a couple more scalps to take the momentum completely away from the tourists.

Mustafizur Rahman to Harry Tector, Hard length and around off, Harry Tector backs away and punches it to sweeper cover for a brace. The Fizz with another excellent over.

Mustafizur Rahman to Harry Tector, Mustafizur Rahman bangs in a sharp bouncer, on middle, Harry Tector sways away and tries to upper cut it but gets very late on the shot.

Mustafizur Rahman to Lorcan Tucker, Good length and around leg, takes pace off, Lorcan Tucker fails to glance it away. The ball deflects off the pads towards fine leg. The batters cross for a leg bye.

Mustafizur Rahman to Lorcan Tucker, Touch fuller and on off, Lorcan Tucker plays it late and steers it away but straight to short third.

Mustafizur Rahman to Harry Tector, Short of a length and outside off, Harry Tector cuts it to deep point for a single.

Mustafizur Rahman to Harry Tector, On a length and on off, Harry Tector pushes it to short cover.

Good fightback from the hosts in the last couple of overs. Only 11 runs have come off in the previous 2 overs. Mustafizur Rahman (1-0-3-0) is back on. He replaces Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

Rishad Hossain to Harry Tector, A bit short and on middle, Harry Tector nudges it through square leg for one.

Rishad Hossain to Harry Tector, Flighted, full and on off, Harry Tector taps it to the off side.

Rishad Hossain to Lorcan Tucker, A googly, full and on leg, turns in, Lorcan Tucker misses his flick as the ball goes off his pads towards short fine. A leg bye is taken.

Rishad Hossain to Lorcan Tucker, Big shout for LBW and a probable catch, but turned down. Floated, full and around off, Lorcan Tucker goes down to reverse sweep it but misses and the ball pops up off his pads. It goes straight into the hands of the first slip fielder, where the fielder grabs it. The impact is well outside off here and Litton Das gestures the same to the bowler. Hence, Bangladesh do not review this one.

Lorcan Tucker walks in at number 4.

Rishad Hossain to Tim Tector, OUT! TAKEN! Rishad Hossain strikes a crucial blow for Bangladesh. Tossed up, full and around middle, Tim Tector backs away and tries to loft it down the ground. However, he fails to get underneath it and hits it from the toe-end of the bat. It flies straight towards long on, where Tanzid Hasan judges it well, moves back, and reverse cups it above his head just inside the ropes. Tector walks back for a quick 32 off 19, and Ireland are 71/2.

Rishad Hossain to Harry Tector, Flighted, full and on middle, Harry Tector pushes it to the left of covers for a quick single. The running between the wickets has been good from the Irish.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Tim Tector, Change of pace, good length and on off, Tim Tector stabs it out to short cover.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Harry Tector, On a length and on middle, Harry Tector pats it down towards point for a run.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Tim Tector, Bangs this into the pitch, on middle, Tim Tector pulls it on the bounce to deep square leg for a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Tim Tector, FOUR! Up and over! Back of a length and well outside off, Tim Tector gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it over point for a blazing boundary.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Tim Tector, Short of a length and around off, Tim Tector uses his feet to cut it away but only manages to bunt it onto te pitch.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Tim Tector, Slower delivery, full and on off, Tim Tector tries to drive it away but gets an inside edge through mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Bangladesh are ringing the bowling changes. Tanzim Hasan Sakib (1-0-5-1) returns into the attack, replacing Mustafizur Rahman.

Rishad Hossain to Harry Tector, Sharp turn! Slows it up, full and around off, grips and turns away sharply, Harry Tector tries to push it away but gets nowhere near it. 14 runs off Rishad's first over!

Rishad Hossain to Harry Tector, SIX! BANG! First of the match. Looped up, full and on middle, in the slot as well. Harry Tector gets his front leg out of the way and tonks it over the long on fence for a biggie.

Rishad Hossain to Harry Tector, Flighted, full and on off, Harry Tector drills it to sweeper cover for a brace.

Rishad Hossain to Tim Tector, Drags his length back, on middle and leg, Tim Tector swats it towards deep mid-wicket for a run.

Rishad Hossain to Tim Tector, FOUR! Lovely shot! Tossed up, full and on middle, Tim Tector moves to the leg side to access the off side. He lofts it beautifully over extra cover and wide of long off for a boundary. 50 up for Ireland.

Rishad Hossain to Harry Tector, Floated, short and on off, Harry Tector stays back and steers it towards point for a single.

Spin introduced as the field restrictions are lifted. Rishad Hossain replaces Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

Mustafizur Rahman to Harry Tector, On a length and on off, Harry Tector guides it towards point for one. Just 3 runs off the over. Superb over from the Fizz. Ireland are 48/1 at the end of the Powerplay!

Mustafizur Rahman to Harry Tector, Short of a length and on off, Harry Tector tries to cut it away but this is too close to his body. He ends up chopping it down and behind the stumps.

Mustafizur Rahman to Tim Tector, In the air...SAFE! Fuller delivery, on middle, shapes away. Tim Tector comes down the track to clip it across the line but gets a leading edge. The ball flies in the air but falls in front of the deep point fielder. They cross.

Mustafizur Rahman to Tim Tector, Pitched up and on off, angling away, Tim Tector shuffles across a bit and knocks it to mid off.

Mustafizur Rahman to Tim Tector, Uppish but safe! A slower one, full and on off, Tim Tector pushes at it early and lobs it but it drops well in front of mid off.

Mustafizur Rahman to Harry Tector, Tip and run! Back of a length and on off, Harry Tector taps it in front of cover-point for a quick single.

Mustafizur Rahman has been introduced into the attack now.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Harry Tector, On that in-between length, outside off. Harry Tector throws his hand at it to hit it toward the off side, but the ball goes off the outside edge and rolls behind to deep third for a single.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Harry Tector, FOUR! Stand and deliver! Short of a good length, outside off. Harry Tector stands tall and slashes it hard to the right of the diving backward point fielder for a cracking boundary.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Harry Tector, A big appeal for LBW, but not given! On a back of a length, it nips back in on the leg stump and hits the top of the front pad, as Tector tries to play across the line. He, however, misses to connect. Possibly going over the leg stump.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Harry Tector, On a hard length, at the stumps, Harry knocks it back to the bowler off the back foot.

Harry Tector walks out to bat at number 3.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Paul Stirling, OUT! HIGH UP IN THE AIR AND TAKEN! Tanzim Hasan Sakib provides the first breakthrough for Bangladesh. Another length-delivery, and the line of attack is just outside the off stump. Paul Stirling creates room for himself by backing away, and shapes to smash it downtown, but the ball gets big on him due to some bounce. He goes through the shot, and skies it up off the toe end. It hangs up for a long time, but Saif Hassan from mid-wicket settles under it and takes a fine catch. Paul Stirling departs on 21 (18) and Ireland are 40/1.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib to Paul Stirling, Big heave and a miss! Tanzim bashes the length very hard, and keeps it outside off. It skids and arrives much quicker than the batter expected. Paul Stirling tries to heave it off the back foot, but misses all ends up.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib replaces Shoriful Islam.

Nasum Ahmed to Tim Tector, Oopsie! That could have dragged into the stumps! Length ball, drifting into the batter towards the leg stump line. Tim Tector is cramped up for room, but tries to cut it away, and ends up chopping it off the inside edge. The ball spins back and is on course to crash into the stumps behind, but Tim shows good presence of mind to kick it away off his right boot.

Nasum Ahmed to Paul Stirling, On a fullish length, around off, Paul makes room and mistimes it down to long off for a single.

Nasum Ahmed to Paul Stirling, Swing and a miss! Nicely looped up on a fuller length, sliding outside the leg stump line. Paul shapes up for a slog sweep, but connects nothing.

Nasum Ahmed to Paul Stirling, Fuller one, on middle and leg, Stirling knocks it to the right of the bowler, but Nasum dives on his follow-through and makes the stop.

Nasum Ahmed to Paul Stirling, Sliding onto the pads, full in length, Paul Stirling works it very fine to the deep fine leg region for a couple of runs.

Nasum Ahmed to Paul Stirling, FOUR! Geez, that has been spanked really hard! Short from Nasum, on middle. Paul Stirling stays leg side of the ball and smashes it into the cover and point gap for a boundary. That was struck with venom from the Irish skipper.

Shoriful Islam to Tim Tector, FOUR! A loosener and he puts it away! A juicy full toss, outside off. Tim Tector gleefully accepts it and has enough width to work with. Drives it crisply towards deep point for a boundary. 18 runs from this over and Ireland are off to a flier here.

Shoriful Islam to Tim Tector, Overpitched, on off, Tim Tector opens the bat face at the point of contact and slices it through backward point for a couple of more runs.

Shoriful Islam to Tim Tector, Touch full and around off, Tim Tector presses forward and drives it straight to mid off.

Shoriful Islam to Tim Tector, FOUR! Make that a hat-trick of boundaries! Shoriful under pressure. Short on the leg stump line, sits up nicely for the batter. Tim reads the length quickly and transfers his weight onto the back foot before pulling it over mid-wicket for a cracking boundary. That came right off the meat of the bat.

Shoriful Islam to Tim Tector, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries for Tector! Goes fuller and it tails into the batter from middle, Tim Tector whips across in front of square, and gets it into the deep mid-wicket space for a boundary.

Shoriful Islam to Tim Tector, FOUR! First boundary for Tector, and that's an elegant one! Short of a length, angling across off, Tim Tector waits for it and cuts it wide of the backward point fielder and beats the deep third fielder to his right for a boundary.

Nasum Ahmed to Paul Stirling, Drops it full and attacks the stumps, does Nasum. Paul Stirling chips it over mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Nasum Ahmed to Paul Stirling, Skids through from a length, around off. Paul is rushed on the back foot and punches it to the left of the bowler.

Nasum Ahmed to Paul Stirling, FOUR! Not convincing, but it races away! Shortish delivery, sliding into the stumps, Paul Stirling backs away and plays it very late. Tries to cut it through point, but the ball bounces and goes off the outside edge. Luckily for him, it flies over the short third fielder for a boundary.

Nasum Ahmed to Paul Stirling, Sliding into the pads, on a fractionally fuller length. Paul Stirling gets forward and tries to work it across, but inside edges onto the back thigh.

Nasum Ahmed to Paul Stirling, Spots Stirling advancing down the track, Nasum drops it short on middle. Paul can only block it onto the pitch.

Nasum Ahmed to Tim Tector, Starts with a length ball, drifting on the pads. Tim Tector hangs back and punches it across, to the left of mid-wicket for a single. Tim Tector gets off the mark!

Time for some spin now as Nasum Ahmed will share the attack.

Shoriful Islam to Paul Stirling, Fuller one and on middle and leg, with a hint of inswing, Paul Stirling flicks it off the pads, but finds the fielder at mid-wicket. A decent first over for Ireland. 8 off it.

Shoriful Islam to Paul Stirling, FOUR! Shot! On a back of a length, around off, Paul Stirling waits back and punches it through extra cover for a cracking boundary,

Shoriful Islam to Paul Stirling, BEATEN! Fuller delivery around off, angling away from the batter, Paul Stirling tries to go for the big booming drive but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Shoriful Islam to Paul Stirling, FOUR! Paul Stirling and Ireland are underway! Back of a length and around off, Stirling tries to punch it away but loses his bottom hand. However, he manages to find the gap through point as the ball races to the fence for a boundary.

Shoriful Islam to Paul Stirling, Massive appeal for a catch, but Paul Stirling is going nowhere. The question here is whether it is a bump ball or not. Shoriful Islam bowls a yorker, on off. Stirling tries to dig it out but the ball flies off his bat to first slip, where the fielder takes a sharp catch. Bangladesh players look very confident and the third umpire has been called in to check. However, the replay shows that the ball hits the ground after going off the bat. Stirling survives.

Shoriful Islam to Paul Stirling, Shoriful Islam starts with a full delivery, on middle, shaping in a bit, Paul Stirling knocks it towards mid on.

All in readiness now! The fans have come in numbers here in Chattogram. Now, we can see the Bangladesh players spread out and take their respective field positions. Paul Stirling and Tim Tector are the two openers for Ireland. Shoriful Islam has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

PITCH REPORT - Ed Rainsford is pitchside. He says that the square boundaries are 71 and 69 meters, while the longest hit is down the ground at 79 meters. Adds that the average score here in the last 3 games is 155, and both seamers and spinners have taken wickets in numbers at this ground. Mentions that there is a light green grass on the wicket and it will be good for batting. Reckons that dew will also play a factor in this game.

We are moments away from the start of the match, but before that, the players from both sides line up out in the middle for their respective national anthems. It will be Ireland's first, followed by that of the host nation, Bangladesh.

Ireland (Playing XI) - Paul Stirling (C), Tim Tector, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker (WK), Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys, Josh Little.

Bangladesh (Playing XI) - Litton Das (C/WK), Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain Emon, Saif Hassan, Jaker Ali, Tawhid Hridoy, Mustafizur Rahman, Rishad Hossain, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Shoriful Islam.

TOSS - The coin lands in favour of Litton Das and Bangladesh have elected to BOWL first.

History favours the hosts. When these two last locked horns in Chattogram a couple of years back, Bangladesh claimed a 2-1 series victory, and that dominance carries forward into the overall T20I record where they hold a commanding 5-2 edge. Ireland's international exposure this calendar year has been remarkably thin, with just six T20Is under their belt. Hence, these three matches are a crucial opportunity for the visitors to stress-test their combinations as they search for comfort in the subcontinent. With the pitch expected to spin and be decent enough to bat and a possibility of dew coming in later on, the toss becomes crucial. Stick around as the coin flip and team sheets are coming up next very shortly.

Ireland's ship sails under Paul Stirling's seasoned command, the veteran opening the charge with the nous that comes from countless battles. Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker and Curtis Campher form the backbone of their middle-order arsenal, while George Dockrell and Gareth Delany, the all-round operators, carry the dual responsibility of contributing runs while keeping the bowling tight. Newcomers Ben Calitz and Tim Tector will be soaking up the international atmosphere, hungry to prove they belong on this stage. On the bowling front, Ireland arrive with real teeth. Mark Adair and Josh Little bring weathered experience of these Bangladeshi conditions, while leg spinner Ben White adds another layer of familiarity having played in these parts before.

Bangladesh have made some sharp tweaks to their squad. Taskin Ahmed sits out at least the first two matches due to T10 commitments in Abu Dhabi, with Mohammad Saifuddin stepping in after his last outing against Afghanistan a few months back. Despite Taskin's absence, their pace attack remains potent with Mustafizur Rahman leading the charge, while Nasum Ahmed and Rishad Hossain handle the spin duties. The headline move is keeper-batter Mahidul Islam Ankon all set to make his T20I debut. Their batting order drew sharp criticism during the West Indies series, where they huffed and puffed to chase moderate targets. Litton Das and his men will aim to deliver firepower and find consistency this time around.

Bangladesh arrive with the swagger that only a dominant 2-0 Test sweep can deliver. They're primed to weaponize that Test-format dominance into T20 excellence, but there's something sharper driving them too. Redemption. The West Indies whitewash still stings, a wound inflicted mere weeks ago that demands healing in front of their fervent home crowd. Ireland, by contrast, are chasing momentum. Outside of that tri-series excursion through the Netherlands last year, they've been starved of series wins since 2023. They arrive hungry, searching for relevance in a tournament window that feels increasingly narrow. Both teams understand the weight of what's coming next. This is their final dress rehearsal before the T20 World Cup 2026 rolls around. 

From the grind in the whites, the players make transition in the colored kits. From Sylhet to Dhaka, the Irish tour of Bangladesh now drops the anchor in the port city of Chattogram where Bangladesh are all set to host Ireland in the first of the three T20Is. The Bir Shreshto Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Cricket Stadium will be the exclusive venue for all matches. It promises to be a cracker of a series. On that note, we welcome you all joining our coverage. 

... MATCH DAY ...

Bangladesh and Ireland switch gears from whites to coloured kits as they meet in the 1st T20I in Chittagong, with the hosts riding high after a 2-0 sweep in the Test series. Bangladesh have named a squad blending youth and experience with Litton Das as captain alongside Saif Hassan as vice-captain, while fresh faces like Mahidul Islam Ankon (uncapped in T20Is) and the returning Mohammad Saifuddin bolster their options. Bangladesh’s batting will depend on Litton’s aggressive start and Tawhid Hridoy’s promise, while their bowling attack features pace-options such as Mustafizur Rahman, Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Shoriful Islam, though their middle-overs death bowling has been an area of concern. Ireland arrive with a tested T20I line-up led by Paul Stirling, with wicket-keeper-batter Lorcan Tucker and Harry Tector providing firepower up top, and the pace twin of Mark Adair and Josh Little offering genuine wicket-taking threat, even as Ireland’s batting depth and ability to sustain pressure remain potential weaknesses. However, the all-round skills of Curtis Campher and George Dockrell could come handy in these conditions and they can be game-changers for the Irish. With both sides seeking an early edge in this three-match series, expect a high-tempo opener where individual form, quick starts and sharp bowling spells will decide the momentum. Let's see who draws first blood in the series.