Bangladesh expected to secure series win against Ireland

Sports Desk

Bangladesh defeated Ireland by 8 wickets in the third and series-deciding T20I in Chittagong on Tuesday. Tanjid Hasan Tamim’s contribution to the team’s victory was impeccable; he first took a record five catches and then scored an unbeaten half-century to lead the team to victory. Before that, Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain laid the foundation for the victory. Both took three wickets each.

In reply, Tanjid proved his mettle by scoring an unbeaten 55 off 36 balls, including 3 sixes and 4 fours. Riding on his brilliant innings, Bangladesh reached the target of victory in 13.4 overs, with 8 wickets in hand. After Saif Hasan (19) and Liton Das (7) were dismissed quickly, Parvez Hossain Emon, who came in at number 4, remained unbeaten on 33 off 26 balls.

Ireland started well but were overwhelmed by the home bowlers. Ireland, who were 51 for 2 at the end of the powerplay, added just 67 runs in the next 13.5 overs before losing the remaining 8 wickets.

Left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman and leg-spinner Rishad Hossain led the bowling attack with three wickets each. Mustafiz, who had gone wicketless in the previous two matches, took advantage of the slow Chittagong wicket to take 3 wickets for just 11 runs in 3 overs.

Rishad, who returned to the team after being dropped from the second match, took 3 wickets for 21 runs. Shariful Islam also took two wickets and Mohammad Saifuddin and Mahedi Hasan took one wicket each.

For the Irish, veteran Paul Stirling top-scored with 38 runs off 27 balls. Only three other batsmen in the team managed to reach double figures.

Despite starting the last series before the T20 World Cup with a loss, this series win brought great relief to the Tigers.

Tanjid’s world record and batting: Bangladesh, who fielded after losing the toss, stopped Ireland’s early run-rate and bowled them out for just 117 runs in 19.5 overs. While fielding, Tanjid took five catches, breaking the world record for the most catches in a T20 innings. This record was previously held by Maldives’ Wedag Malinda and Sweden’s Sedik Sahak.