Last Updated on 12 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey

The T20I series between Bangladesh and Ireland has its decider, and it promises to be a fascinating encounter given how this series has transpired so far.

After thrashing Bangladesh in the opening T20I, Ireland came close to sealing the series two days later, but ultimately fell short in the key moments. They couldn’t quite capitalise on a very fast start in the powerplay, and a few crucial misses in the field (despite some outstanding efforts) meant Bangladesh prevailed in the final over.

The Tigers are aiming for a more clinical performance. They bounced back well after a tough powerplay, but they made things trickier than they should have been in the backend of their chase. They lost unnecessary wickets, so calm is the order of the day with the series on the line.

BAN vs IRE 1st T20 2025 Possible Playing XIs

This encounter kicks off at 2:00pm local time, so dew won’t be a factor. Both teams will look to their spinners to produce the goods.

Curtis Campher could return in this game after he missed the second T20I with muscle stiffness.

Bangladesh: 1. Parvez Hossain Emon, 2. Tanzid Hasan, 3. Litton Das (c & wk), 4. Saif Hassan, 5. Towhid Hridoy, 6. Nurul Hasan/Jaker Ali, 7. Mohammad Saifuddin, 8. Mahedi Hasan, 9. Tanzim Hasan Sakib, 10. Nasum Ahmed/Rishad Hossain, 11. Mustafizur Rahman

Ireland: 1. Paul Stirling (c), 2. Tim Tector, 3. Harry Tector, 4. Lorcan Tucker (wk), 5. Ben Calitz/Curtis Campher, 6. George Dockrell, 7. Gareth Delany, 8. Mark Adair, 9. Barry McCarthy, 10. Matthew Humphreys, 11. Josh Little

Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Stadium, Chattogram Pitch Report and Weather

Given this is an afternoon match, batting first can be a good tactic. Teams batting first have won three of the past five T20Is on this ground. Also, teams setting a score won seven of 12 matches in BPL 2025.

In this series, spinners have taken 10 wickets at an average of 23.7 and economy of 7.65. Pacers have picked up 12 wickets at a higher average (34.08) and economy (8.45).

A cloudy day is forecast but there is no chance of rain according to AccuWeather.

BAN vs IRE 1st T20 2025 Fantasy Cricket Tips: Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

Top wicket-keeper picks:

• Litton Das won man of the match in the second T20I. He is the top run-scorer in BAN-IRE T20Is (193) at an average of 38.60 and strike rate of 178.70.

Key batter picks:

• Paul Stirling is striking at 156.25 in this series. He has made scores of 29 and 21, and has looked good for more runs. The opener has a strong record against Nasum Ahmed (see below).
• Harry Tector was unlucky in the second T20I as he copped a delivery that stayed low. Ireland’s number three played superbly in the first match (69*).
• Towhid Hridoy fares a lot better when chasing. Since the start of 2024, Hridoy averages just 19.6 when batting first in all T20s compared to 37.9 batting second.

Top all-rounder picks:

• Mahedi Hasan has the ability to take the ball away from the right-handers. The offspinner was excellent in the second T20I (3/25). He can also contribute with lower order runs.
• Mark Adair has the most wickets in BAN-IRE T20Is (9). He takes a wicket every 12.88 deliveries on average.

Key bowler picks:

• Matt Humphreys is a must-pick especially in an afternoon match. He is also a threat against the left-handers as he can curve the ball away. The left-arm spinner missed out in the second T20I (0/38) but was player of the match in the first (4/13).
• Tanzim Hasan Sakib has been Bangladesh’s most impressive pacer in this series. He has dismissed Paul Stirling twice in the powerplay.

Other Players to Consider for your Fantasy Cricket Teams

• Tanzid Hasan has missed out twice in this series. Is this his day? The left-hander is Bangladesh’s top run-scorer in T20Is this year (720) at an average of 30 and strike rate of 134.07.
• Tom Tector opens the batting and has shown plenty of promise, striking at 159.09 in this series.
• Lorcan Tucker bats in the top four and is coming off some runs in the second T20I.
• Barry McCarthy is conceding just 6.25 per over. Bowling into the pitch can work in this day game. The seamer took 3/23 in the first T20I.
• Mustafizur Rahman is wicketless this series but can be a difference-maker on his day. He is a differential pick for your fantasy cricket teams.

Other Stats and Important Matchups

• Head-to-head: Matches 10, Bangladesh 6, Ireland 3, N/R 1.
• Nasum Ahmed vs Paul Stirling in T20Is: 24 balls, 46 runs, no dismissals.
• Tanzim Hasan Sakib vs Paul Stirling in this series: 6 balls, 0 runs, 2 wickets.
• Mark Adair has dismissed Litton Das twice in this series.

BAN vs IRE 1st T20 2025 Dream11 Prediction Today

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams. 

Option 1:

BAN vs IRE 1st T20 2025 Match Prediction: Who will win?

A tough match to predict. In home conditions, I’ll back Bangladesh to win in a close encounter.