Litton’s 57, Emon’s early burst send Bangladesh to series-levelling win over Ireland

Bangladesh shook off a worrying run of form and levelled the T20 series 1–1 after a four-wicket win over Ireland, built on Litton Das’s assured half-century after some early foray from Parvez Hossain Emon.

Emon’s early aggression -- 43 off 28 with five fours and two sixes -- set Bangladesh’s chase in motion, before Litton’s command and Mohammad Saifuddin’s nerve completed a much-needed win in Chattogram on Saturday.

The result snapped a four-match losing streak, with the hosts chasing down 171 -- their highest successful run-chase on home soil -- after Ireland’s early charge threatened to push the contest beyond reach. 

Litton anchored the pursuit with a fluent 57 off 37 balls, peppering the innings with 3 sixes and as many fours. His dismissal, however, triggered a wobble: three more wickets tumbled quickly, leaving Bangladesh tightening in the final overs of what had looked a straightforward chase.

At 149 for 5, Bangladesh still required 22 off 14 balls. Saifuddin swung momentum back instantly, pulling his first delivery for four as Josh Little failed to hold a sharp chance at short fine leg. 

With 14 needed from the final 10 balls, Saifuddin muscled Mark Adair for a clean six and a firm four, finishing with a vital 17 not out off seven balls. With three needed in the last over, Mahedi Hasan thumped a drive through extra cover to seal victory with two balls left.

Earlier, Ireland surged to 170 for 6, threatening a 200-plus score after a blistering start. 

Tim Tector hammered Mahedi for three fours in the opening over, while Paul Stirling tore into Saifuddin for a six and two fours during his brisk 29 off 14. 

Ireland raced to 75 for 1 -- their highest powerplay against Bangladesh -- before Mahedi pulled things back, removing both Tector brothers in the ninth over and later stumping Ben Calitz to finish with three wickets.

A 56-run partnership between Lorcan Tucker (41 off 32) and George Dockrell restored momentum, though Bangladesh’s bowlers prevented the late assault Ireland had hoped for.