Bangladesh bounced back in style to level the T20I series 1-1 with a nerve-shredding four-wicket victory over Ireland in Chattogram. Skipper Litton Das delivered a match-defining half-century, while Mahedi Hasan and Mohammad Saifuddin produced crucial contributions that turned the contest in Bangladesh’s favour.
Chasing 171, Bangladesh crossed the line with two balls to spare, sealing their third-highest successful T20I chase and snapping a four-match losing streak in the format.
Ireland’s explosive start raises hopes of 200+ total
Opting to bat first, Ireland sprinted out of the blocks with a blistering powerplay.
- Tim Tector and Paul Stirling hammered 27 runs in the first two overs.
- Stirling then tore into Saifuddin for 16 runs, continuing his aggressive intent.
- Ireland rocketed to 75/1, their highest powerplay score vs Bangladesh, as Tim Tector smashed clean pulls and crisp strokes on his way to 38 off 25.
At 88/1 by the ninth over, Ireland were well on course for a mammoth total.
Mahedi Hasan triggers Ireland’s collapse
Bangladesh needed a momentum shift—and Mahedi Hasan delivered exactly that.
In a sensational ninth over:
- He stumped Tim Tector first ball.
- Then bowled Harry Tector with a skiddy delivery.
Mahedi later dismissed Ben Calitz, finishing with 3/25, turning Ireland’s solid platform into a suspect 103/4 after 11 overs.
Lorcan Tucker attempted to rebuild with a smart 41 off 32, adding 56 with Dockrell, but the late overs lacked firepower. Ireland eventually finished on 170/6, far below what their start had promised.
Parvez and Litton blast Bangladesh to a flying start
Bangladesh’s reply was equally aggressive.
- Parvez Hossain Emon attacked Ireland’s bowlers from ball one, cracking two boundaries in the opening over.
- Litton joined the assault, and together the pair smashed 18 runs off the sixth over to finish the powerplay at a commanding 66/1.
Parvez played a fiery knock of 43 off 28 (5 fours, 2 sixes), setting Bangladesh on course before falling to a reverse sweep.
A stroke of luck saves Litton—and he capitalizes
Litton narrowly survived when Gareth Delany took a brilliant boundary catch—only for replays to reveal Delany’s towel had grazed the rope. Instead of being out, Litton was awarded six runs.
Seizing the lifeline, the skipper continued to punish Ireland:
- He struck Delany for a boundary,
- Then lifted a majestic inside-out six over cover to reach his 50 off 36 balls.
His composed knock of 57 (37) kept Bangladesh ahead of the required rate.
Bangladesh wobble as wickets tumble in the death overs
Just as Bangladesh appeared to be coasting, the game twisted dramatically:
- Litton fell LBW to Adair.
- Saif Hassan perished three balls later.
- Towhid Hridoy was run out again—his sixth career T20I run-out.
- Nurul Hasan departed in the 19th over.
From a position of dominance, Bangladesh suddenly needed 22 runs from 14 balls with five wickets down—then 14 from 10 with six wickets gone.
Ireland sensed a comeback.
Saifuddin’s heroic cameo seals the chase
Enter Mohammad Saifuddin—and the momentum shifted once more.
- First ball: a pulled boundary that evaded short fine leg.
- Then, with Bangladesh needing 14 from 10, he smashed a towering six followed by a four off Mark Adair.
Saifuddin’s unbeaten 17 off 7 (2 fours, 1 six) was the perfect late-over counterattack.
With just three required in the final over, Mahedi Hasan hammered a drive through extra cover for four, sealing a thrilling victory with two balls remaining.
Bangladesh ended at 174/6, completing a memorable chase and keeping the series alive.
Score Summary
Bangladesh 174/6 (19.4 overs)
- Litton Das – 57 (37)
- Parvez Hossain Emon – 43 (28)
- Gareth Delany – 2/28
Ireland 170/6 (20 overs)
- Lorcan Tucker – 41 (32)
- Tim Tector – 38 (25)
- Mahedi Hasan – 3/25
Result: Bangladesh won by 4 wickets
Litton Das Leads Bangladesh to a Series-Levelling Win: Final Verdict
Bangladesh showcased grit, flair, and late-over composure in a match that swung wildly in both directions. With the series now locked at 1-1, the final T20I promises a thrilling decider.
Note: All information and images used in this content are sourced from Google. They are used here for informational and illustrative purposes only.
FAQs: Litton Das Leads Bangladesh to a Series-Levelling Win
1. How did Litton Das Leads Bangladesh to victory in the second T20I against Ireland?
Litton Das Leads Bangladesh to victory through a crucial 57 off 37 balls, anchoring the run chase of 171. His half-century kept Bangladesh ahead of the required rate, and despite late wickets, his early acceleration ensured the chase remained on track until Saifuddin finished it in the final over.
2. Why was Litton Das Leads Bangladesh’s chase considered one of their best in T20Is?
This win is Bangladesh’s third-highest successful T20I chase. Litton Das Leads Bangladesh with fearless hitting during the powerplay and middle overs, building a strong foundation that allowed the team to overcome pressure in the final stages.
3. What turning points helped Litton Das Leads Bangladesh during the run chase?
Several key moments supported Litton Das Leads Bangladesh:
- Parvez Hossain Emon’s explosive 43 off 28.
- A lucky break when Delany caught Litton but his towel touched the boundary, turning the dismissal into a six.
- Saifuddin’s clutch 17 off 7*, including a vital six and two fours in the death overs.
4. How did Ireland lose momentum after a strong start, allowing Litton Das Leads Bangladesh to take control?
Ireland powered to 75/1 in the powerplay and looked set for 200+. But Mahedi Hasan’s brilliant spell of 3/25, removing both Tector brothers and Calitz, slowed their momentum drastically. This collapse allowed Litton Das Leads Bangladesh to chase a manageable 170.
5. Which bowlers supported Litton Das Leads Bangladesh with crucial breakthroughs?
Mahedi Hasan was instrumental as his triple strike pulled Ireland from 88/1 to 103/4. Later, Saifuddin not only contributed with the bat but bowled vital tight overs earlier. Their combined impact created the platform for Litton Das Leads Bangladesh to successfully chase the target.
6. What role did Parvez Hossain Emon play as Litton Das Leads Bangladesh in the chase?
Parvez provided early firepower, smashing five fours and two sixes. His partnership with Litton added 66 runs in the powerplay, giving Bangladesh the start they needed. His fearless hitting directly supported the momentum with which Litton Das Leads Bangladesh throughout the innings.
7. How did Mohammad Saifuddin help finish the chase as Litton Das Leads Bangladesh to level the series?
With Bangladesh needing 22 off 14 balls and pressure mounting, Saifuddin delivered a heroic cameo of 17 off 7*. His six and two fours in the 19th over eased the pressure, ensuring Litton Das Leads Bangladesh ended the match in their favor with two balls left.
8. How did key fielding moments influence the match where Litton Das Leads Bangladesh?
One of the biggest moments was when Delany caught Litton near the boundary—but his towel brushed the rope, converting it into a six. This stroke of luck proved vital as Litton Das Leads Bangladesh continued to dominate the chase before his dismissal.
9. What was Ireland’s biggest challenge as Litton Das Leads Bangladesh in Chattogram?
Ireland struggled to maintain momentum after a blazing start. Once the Tector brothers fell, the middle order failed to capitalize, and only Tucker’s 41 offered resistance. Their total of 170/6, though competitive, wasn’t enough as Litton Das Leads Bangladesh executed a composed chase.
10. What does this result mean for the series as Litton Das Leads Bangladesh forward?
The win levels the three-match series 1-1, setting up an exciting decider. Litton Das Leads Bangladesh with confidence restored, breaking a four-match losing streak and showcasing improved intent in both batting and bowling.
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