The Ireland women put up a much better fight in the three-match Twenty20 international series opener as they beat hosts Bangladesh by 12 runs in Sylhet Thursday.
The Irish women began the tour of Bangladesh with a 3-0 defeat in the One Day International series in Mirpur but a change of scenery did wonders for the visitors.
Batting first, the touring side posted 169 for the loss of half their side in 20 overs, riding on half-centuries from captain Gaby Lewis (60) and Leah Paul (79*).
Gaby and Leah added 107 for the third wicket to take their side to a competitive total.
The Irish skipper struck seven fours and a couple of sixes in her brisk 42-ball knock while Leah hammered 10 boundaries and two maximums facing 45 deliveries in her unbeaten innings.
Nahida Akter was the only economical bowler for the Tigresses with her 1/20 from four overs.
In reply, the women in red and green got off to a great start thanks to openers Dilara Akter (49) and Sobhana Mostary (46) who put on 103 inside 12 overs.
Dilara hit two fours and as many sixes in her 41-ball innings while Sobhana blasted three boundaries and two sixers from 35 deliveries but both missed out on their fifties.
And after the departure of the openers, the home side lost their way with the fall of wickets at regular intervals.
The hosts eventually managed 157 losing seven wickets in 20 overs.
Arlene Kelly and Orla Prendergast took three wickets apiece for Ireland.
The second and third T20Is are slated for Saturday and Monday at the same venue.
1ST T20
Ireland women 169/5 (Leah 79*, Gaby 60) beat Bangladesh women 157/7 (Dilara 49, Sobhana 46) by 12 runs
