Bangladesh restrict Ireland to 117, target 118 to win the series

Bangladesh have been set a target of 118 runs to win the third T20I and seal the series, after Ireland were bowled out for 117 with one ball to spare.

Winning the toss in Chattogram, Irish captain Paul Stirling opted to bat first. Openers Paul Stirling and Tim Tector got off to a flying start, putting early pressure on Sheikh Mahedi and Shoriful Islam in the first two overs. In the third over, Stirling got a lifeline when Saifuddin dropped a catch.

With the scoreboard on 38, Tim Tector was bowled for 17 in the fourth over right after hitting a six off Shoriful. Mustafizur Rahman then removed Harry Tector. As Mahedi and Rishad picked up wickets in quick succession, Ireland suddenly found themselves five down for 73.

Despite Ireland’s strong start, Bangladesh clawed back into the match with aggressive bowling. Stirling played a solid knock of 38 off 27 balls before getting dismissed, after which the Irish batting lineup collapsed like a house of cards. Eventually, Ireland were bowled out for 117 runs with one ball left in the innings.

For Bangladesh, Mustafizur Rahman and Rishad Hossain claimed three wickets each, while Shoriful Islam took two wickets.