DHAKA, Dec 5, 2024 (BSS)-Despite a record opening partnership, Bangladesh 
Women's team tasted a 12-run defeat to visiting Ireland in the first of 
three-match T20 International series at the Sylhet International Cricket 
Stadium today.

Ireland posted a respectable 169-5, their highest total against Bangladesh. 
However the Tigresses looked on course to the victory when Sobhana Mostary 
and Dilara Akter combined for a 103-run opening partnership but thereafter 
they experienced a collapse to be restricted to 157-7.

Mostary and Dilara's 103-run partnership was highest for Bangladesh Women's 
team in opening stand in WT20Is, going past the record of 81 between Ayesha 
Rahman and Rumana Ahmed.

But none of the openers could reach 50-run mark with Mostary being out on 46 
off 35 after hitting three fours and two sixes.

Arlene Kelly then got the better of Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana Joty for 
4 before denying Dilara a half-century in the same over, dismissing her for 
49. Dilara clubbed two fours and as many sixes in 41 balls.

Both Kelly and Orla Prendergast claimed three wickets apiece as they ripped 
through Bangladesh's middle order in joint-venture. 

Sharmin Akhter Supta held one end but Irish bowlers' disciplined bowling 
meant Bangladesh needed 18 runs in the last over, which they were unable to 
score. Supta remained not out on 23 off 13.

Ireland Women's team earlier put up a strong batting performance after their 
captain Gaby Lewis won the toss and elected to bat first. .

Leah Paul led the charge with 45 ball-79 not out, laced with 10 fours and two 
sixes. She was adjudged player of the match.

Gaby Lewis played her part well to give the side a solid start with 60 off 
42, sending the ball across the ropes for seven times.

Jahanara Alam, Fariha Trishna, Nahida Akter and Jannatul Ferdous took one 
wicket apeice for the hosts.

Earlier, Bangladesh swept the three-match ODI series against Ireland in 
Mirpur.