Chattogram, Nov. 28 -- Ireland broke a drought of almost 14 months as they defeated Bangladesh in the opening T20I of their three-match series in Chattogram on Thursday.

Hard-hitting batter Harry Tector smashed an unbeaten 69 to help Ireland post 181/4, and a solid bowling performance ensured Bangladesh could muster just 142/9 in reply at Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, as per the ICC website.

It was Ireland's first victory in T20I cricket since they defeated South Africa by 10 runs in Abu Dhabi in September of last year, and bodes well for the European side ahead of the next edition of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka that commences in February 2026.

Ireland is drawn in Group B alongside Austral...