Bangladesh Women have snatched a four-wicket victory over hosts Ireland in the first of their three-match T20 series, helped by a historic five-wicket haul by Jahanara Alam.
With the essence of recent Asia Cup title win still in the air, Bangladesh restricted Ireland to 134 with the record set by Jahanara in women’s T20 cricket at Dublin on Thursday.
Nigar Sultana’s career-best knock in the middle order coupled with Fahima Khatun’s cameo at the death also helped Bangladesh seal the win.
Pacer Jahanara struck in the first over after skipper Salma Khatun won the toss and chose to bowl first.
Clare Shillington, who opened her account by sending Jahanara’s first ball to the boundary, was trapped LBW in the next.
With the first delivery of her next over, Jahanara snared wicket of Cecelia Joyce in the same fashion.
Teenaged Gaby Lewis made a quick 28 runs off 16 deliveries before being bowled by Salma.
Isobel Joyce (41) and Kim Garth (20) took Ireland past 100 before being taken out by Jahanara in her second spell. Eimear Richardson was her other victim.
Laura Delany (22) was beaten in flight by spinner Khadija Tul Kubra and stumped.
Jahanara’s 5/28 bettered Bangladesh’s best bowling record of 4/6 by Salma.
Bangladesh began their chase poorly losing opener Shamima Sultana in the second over.
Ayesha Rahman at the other end helped the team keep the chase alive by hitting 24 off 23.
Star batswoman Fargana Hoque could not provide the impetus and was out for 13 off 25, leaving the side at 49 for 2 after 10 overs.
Nigar took the team past 100 with a fine 46 off 38 balls to keep the required run rate within reach, reported bdnews24.
Needing 83 in 9 overs, Fahima took the team closer to the target with 26 of 18 after getting a reprieve in the first ball she had faced.
Bangladesh needed just four off the last over but the match was destined for a nail-biting finish when Sanjida Khatun was run out in the fifth delivery.
Fahima took the winning single off the last ball of the game to seal a sensational win.
The next match of the series will be played on Friday.