Sports Desk

Despite losing the opening match of the T20 series against Ireland, pacer Jahanara Alam remains optimistic about Bangladesh’s chances of bouncing back and clinching the series.

Speaking ahead of the second game, Jahanara emphasised the team’s belief in its ability to recover from the 12-run defeat.

“Everything is fine. Being part of the team doesn’t always go as you wish, but I’m happy to be back,” Jahanara said in a video message shared by the BCB.

“That said, I can’t be too happy because the result of the first match didn’t go in our favour. However, there were positives. Four of our players batted brilliantly, and that gives us confidence. We all believe we can still win the series.”

Reflecting on the loss in the first match, Jahanara highlighted areas for improvement.

“Chasing 170, we scored 169, and I feel that if we start well and utilise the powerplay better, we can win. By the 10th or 11th over, we had scored over 100 runs, which was a solid foundation. But a few mistakes at the end cost us the match,” she explained. “We are optimistic about the next games, and I am confident our batters will find their rhythm.”

Bangladesh fell short of the 170-run target in the first T20 at Sylhet International Cricket Stadium on 5 December, managing 157 for seven in their 20 overs. Ireland claimed a 12-run victory to take a 1-0 lead in the series.

The second T20 match is scheduled for 7 December at the same venue, with the match starting at 2 pm.