Tigresses suffer 12-run defeat in first Ireland T20I

Ireland women's team bounced back from 3-0 ODI series loss against their Bangladesh counterparts to make a winning start in the three-match T20I series at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium in Sylhet today. 

Chasing 170 runs, the home side finished their 20-over quota with 157 for seven to suffer the 12-run defeat, despite a 72-ball 103-run opening stand between Dilara Akter [49] and Sobhana Mostary [46] providing a good platform. 

Orla Prendergast claimed three wickets for 24 runs and Arlene Kelly took three for 22 runs. 

Earlier, captain Gaby Lewis struck 42-ball 60 and Leah Paul hit unbeaten 79 off 45 balls as the visitors put up a fighting total of 169 for five in 20 overs after deciding to bat first.