Ireland beat Bangladesh in first match of T20 series

Leah Paul registered her first T20 half-century for Ireland in Sylhet

First T20 international, Sylhet Stadium

Ireland 169-5 (20 overs): Paul 79, Lewis 60; Akter 1-20

Bangladesh 157-7 (20 overs): Dola 49; Kelly 2-17, Prendergast 3-24

Ireland win by 12 runs

Scorecard

Ireland beat Bangladesh by 12 runs in the first game of a three-match T20 international series in Sylhet.

Ireland won the toss and registered an impressive 169-5 after a century partnership between Leah Paul and captain Gaby Lewis.

Orla Prendergast then took three wickets and Arlene Kelly two as Ireland produced a terrific comeback with the ball after the hosts' rapid start in their reply.

The second match of the series takes place on Saturday with the final game next Monday.

Ireland lost the one-day international series between the teams 3-0 earlier this month, with a side that had an average age of just under 23.

Having decided to bat first, Ireland lost Amy Hunter (10) early in their innings.

Her fellow opener Lewis, who replaced Laura Delany as Ireland captain before this tour, hit 60 from 42 balls before she was bowled by Fariha Islam Trisna having shared a 107-run stand with Paul.

It was Paul who stole the show for Ed Joyce's side, finishing on 79 not out off 45 balls - her first T20 half-century - including two sixes and 10 fours.

Prendergast and Delany both fell cheaply but Ireland's total meant Bangladesh needed to produce their highest T20 run chase to win.

Prendergast and Kelly key for Ireland

Openers Dilara Akter Dola and Sobhana Mostary shared a century partnership as the hosts made a storming start to their reply - albeit with a bit of luck after a number of dropped chances.

Prendergast finally made the breakthrough for Ireland, removing Mostary for 46 with Hunter taking the catch.

Bangladesh wickets then began to tumble and their run-rate slowed dramatically, with Kelly dismissing both Nigar Sultana Joty and Dola (49) in the same over.

After another missed chance, Hunter stumped Taj Nehar off the bowling of Aimee Maguire to leave the hosts 152-5.

Prendergast then starred in the penultimate over - removing Shorna Akter and Ritu Moni in a double-wicket maiden to put Ireland in control.

Bangladesh needed 18 runs to win from the final over but could only manage five, with the loss of Jannatul Ferdus, as Ireland sealed a 12-run victory.