Sterling’s half-century, Ireland saved Bangladesh from being wiped out by defeating them

Captain Paul Stirling’s 41-ball 77 helped Ireland avoid a clean sweep by defeating Bangladesh by seven wickets in the third T20 International here on Friday. Bangladesh, who won the first two T20Is, clinched the three-match series 2-1. Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Bangladesh team was bundled out for 124 runs in 19.2 overs. The team had lost seven wickets for 61 runs but Shamim Hossain’s innings of 51 runs in 42 balls was able to put up a respectable score.

For Ireland, Mark Adair took three wickets for 25 runs while Matthew Humphreys took two wickets for 10 runs. In response, Ireland registered an easy win by scoring 127 for three in just 14 overs with the help of opener Stirling’s 41-ball 77 with 10 fours and four sixes. Taskin Ahmed dismissed Ross Adair (07) early while Shariful Islam sent Lorkan Tucker (04) to the pavilion to give Bangladesh a good start but could not save his team from defeat.