Chittagong, Dec 02 (V7N) — Bangladesh defeated Ireland by 8 wickets in the third and final T20 match to win the series 2-1. Chasing a modest target of 118 set by the Irish, the Tigers achieved the total comfortably with 38 balls to spare at Bir Shrestha Matiur Rahman Stadium.

Irish captain Paul Stirling won the toss and elected to bat. Ireland started well, but Bangladesh pacer Shariful Islam broke the opening partnership at 38 runs by dismissing Tim Tector for 17. Harry Tector fell to Mustafizur Rahman on the second ball of the last over of the powerplay. Later, Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher, and Paul Stirling were also dismissed, with Rishad Hossain playing a key role. Dockrell was bowled for 19, and Ireland’s innings was curtailed at 117 runs.

A highlight of the innings was Bangladesh opener Tanjid Hasan Tamim, who made history by taking five catches in a single T20 international match, becoming the first fielder from a Test-playing nation to achieve this feat. Mustafizur and Rishad Hossain took 3 wickets each, while Shariful Islam claimed 2.

In reply, Bangladesh lost Saif Hasan early, but Tanjid Hasan Tamim and Parvez Hossain Emon anchored the innings with an unbroken partnership of 73 runs, securing a comfortable win. Tanjid scored 55 off 35 balls*, marking his 11th T20 fifty, while Emon remained unbeaten on 33.

With the series win, Bangladesh not only claimed bragging rights but also advanced their preparations for the upcoming World Cup, after the first two matches ended in a 1-1 tie.

END/SMA/AJ