In a thrilling second T20 International at Chattogram, Bangladesh defeated Ireland by four wickets, chasing down 171 to finish at 174 for 6 with just two balls to spare, leveling the three-match series 1–1. The victory was powered by a standout performance from captain Litton Das with the bat and an incisive bowling spell from Mahedi Hasan.
Batting first, Ireland posted a competitive 170 for 6, building their total through steady contributions across the lineup. While their openers set the stage with a solid start, the middle order added crucial runs to ensure a challenging target for the hosts.
Bangladesh’s reply got off to a brisk start, with opener Parvez Hossain Emon scoring a quick 43 off 28 balls, providing stability and keeping the required rate manageable. However, it was Litton Das who anchored the innings in the middle overs. His 57 runs off 37 balls, laced with three sixes and as many boundaries, held the innings together as wickets fell around him, earning him the Player of the Match award for his vital contribution.
Mahedi Hasan made his presence felt with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 25 runs and stifling Ireland’s momentum in the middle overs. His disciplined bowling ensured that Ireland never posted a total beyond reach, turning the contest into a chaseable target and giving Bangladesh a crucial advantage.
Despite these strong performances, the chase was far from straightforward. Bangladesh lost regular wickets in the middle overs, leaving them needing 22 runs off the last 14 balls. Mohammad Saifuddin played a composed cameo, striking a six and a four in the penultimate over, while Mahedi Hasan, after his bowling heroics, guided the team over the line with a well-timed drive through extra cover on the final delivery.
The win marked Bangladesh’s highest successful T20I chase at home and showcased their ability to handle pressure in tight situations. It also helped them recover from a recent spell of inconsistent results in the format and restored confidence heading into the series decider.
For Ireland, the match was a missed opportunity. While their batting lineup laid a strong foundation, they lost momentum at crucial junctures and failed to capitalize in the death overs. Their inability to take timely wickets allowed Bangladesh to claw back into the game and ultimately secure victory.
Bangladesh demonstrated a well-balanced performance: a brisk start, a match-defining innings from their captain, incisive bowling, and calm lower-order contributions under pressure. This combination of skill and temperament bodes well as the series moves to the third and final T20I.
Heading into the decider, Bangladesh will draw confidence from this comeback victory, relying on their experienced batters and disciplined bowling unit. Ireland, meanwhile, will need to regroup and improve execution in both batting and bowling if they hope to claim the series. The match underlined the fine margins in T20 cricket and the importance of clutch performances in determining outcomes.
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