Ireland Women scripted history by completing a 3-0 whitewash over Bangladesh in the T20I series at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium, sealing the final game with a thrilling four-wicket win on Monday. This marks Ireland’s first-ever series win in Bangladesh and their maiden clean sweep against the Asian side in this format.
In the decisive third T20I, Bangladesh posted 123/7, with Sobhana Mostary (45) and Sharmin Akhter (34) leading the charge. However, Ireland’s bowling unit, spearheaded by Orla Prendergast’s career-best 4/22, kept the hosts in check.
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Chasing 124, Ireland faced resistance from Bangladesh’s Rabeya Khan (2/17) and Nahida Akter (1/26). Despite a solid start, the visitors struggled as wickets fell at crucial moments. However, Laura Delany anchored the middle order and showcased nerves of steel in the final over. With 15 runs needed, and after losing Arlene Kelly to a run-out, Delany smashed three consecutive boundaries to clinch victory with one ball to spare.
Prendergast’s all-round brilliance earned her the Player of the Series award, finishing with 10 wickets and 54 runs across the three games. Reflecting on her team’s performance, she said, “We showed just how good a side we are in each of those three games. Different players stepped up in every match, and that’s a great place for our squad to be.”
Ireland’s Dominance in the Series
The European side demonstrated growing competitiveness in the shortest format. After a 3-0 ODI series loss to Bangladesh, Ireland bounced back with stellar performances in the T20Is:
- First T20I: Gaby Lewis (60) and Leah Paul (79*) powered Ireland to 169/5, while Prendergast and Kelly took three wickets each to seal a 12-run win.
- Second T20I: Prendergast starred again, contributing 32 runs and taking three wickets, leading Ireland to a convincing 47-run victory.
- Third T20I: Delany’s last-over heroics and Prendergast’s exceptional bowling capped off a memorable series for Ireland.
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