Ronnie Talukdar’s maiden half-century helped Bangladesh beat Ireland by 22 runs using the Duckworth-Lewis method in a rain-curtailed first T20I. Talukdar scored 67 runs in 38 balls with the help of seven fours and three sixes. Bangladesh had scored 207 for five before rain interrupted play. Ireland were given a revised target of 104 runs in eight overs but could only manage 81 runs for five wickets. Talukdar and Liton Das added 81 runs in the first powerplay for Bangladesh.
Fast bowler Craig Young broke the partnership by dismissing Liton in the eighth over. Liton scored 47 runs in 23 balls with the help of four fours and three sixes. Talukdar completed his half-century in just 24 balls. Harry Tector dismissed Najmul Hossain Shanto for 14 while fast bowler Graham Hume dismissed Talukdar. Shamim Hossain scored 30 runs in 20 balls while captain Shakib Al Hasan remained unbeaten after scoring 20 runs in 13 balls. The second match will be played on Wednesday.
