BD women lose tour opener

The Bangladesh national women's cricket team got off to a bad start in their tour of Ireland yesterday as they lost to the hosts by six runs in the first T20I at the Bready Cricket Club.

The match was reduced to 10 overs per side due to rain. After winning the toss, Bangladesh's Jahanara Alam elected to field first, going by the gloomy conditions.

Ireland though put up a good fight in the form of Clare Shillington, who smacked four fours during her 18-ball 26 and paved the way for Ireland's 54. She was the only batter who reached double figures for the hosts as they finished on 54 for eight. Khadija tul Kubra was the key wicket-taker with figures of three for five in two overs. 

Bangladesh's batters struggled during the chase. They only hit one boundary in the entire innings and that came off the bat of Ayasha Rahman. A run-a-ball 24 from Fargana Haque helped them stay in the chase for quite some time. However, with 10 runs required off the last over, the visitors crumbled under pressure. They were restricted to 48 for 6. Bangladesh will play one more T20I and two ODIs on their tour.