Rishad spins, Mustafizur strikes, Tanzid shines with record as Ireland put 117 on the board

Ireland, after choosing to bat first, began the innings with real authority. The surface was the same one used for the opening T20I, where they had piled up 181/4, and they looked eager to repeat something similar. Paul Stirling set the tone early with fearless improvisation against Mahedi Hasan, sweeping and reverse sweeping while finding gaps with ease. Alongside him, Tim Tector settled quickly and the pair handled Shoriful Islam and Mohammad Saifuddin with composure.

The momentum shifted when Shoriful, having just been struck for six, hit back with a slightly fuller ball that went through Tim Tector’s defence. Mustafizur Rahman then landed an immediate second blow by removing Harry Tector, who chopped one onto his stumps. Ireland finished the powerplay at 51 for 2, and from there Bangladesh’s fightback only grew stronger.

Mahedi Hasan played a key role, winning a clever review to dismiss Lorcan Tucker lbw. The ball-tracking showed three reds and Tanvir Ahmed had to overturn his call. At the other end, Rishad Hossain produced the best turn of the night. His googly was ripping both ways and Ireland struggled to pick it. A looping googly beat Curtis Campher’s inside edge and crashed into middle stump. Another flighted and slower googly tempted Paul Stirling into a slog sweep that went straight to Saif Hassan in the deep. Rishad ended with an excellent spell of 3 for 21 in 4 overs.

Once Stirling and Tim Tector were gone, Ireland never looked comfortable again. Bangladesh kept squeezing and Mustafizur Rahman took control in the death overs. His late burst of wickets lifted him past Ish Sodhi to become the third highest wicket taker in T20I history. It was a significant milestone and a reminder of his enduring class.

Then came the final highlight. Tanzid Hasan Tamim delivered one of the best fielding displays by a Bangladeshi in T20Is. He took five catches and joined the record for the most catches in a single innings in T20I cricket. His safe hands at deep positions ensured Ireland could not rebuild at any stage.

Ireland were eventually bowled out for just 117 with one ball left unused, a dramatic collapse after such a bright start.