Despite a record opening partnership, Bangladesh Women's team tasted a 12-run defeat to visiting Ireland in the first of three-match T20 International series at the Sylhet International Cricket Stadium today.

Ireland posted a respectable 169-5, their highest total against Bangladesh. However the Tigresses looked on course to the victory when Sobhana Mostary and Dilara Akter combined for a 103-run opening partnership but thereafter they experienced a collapse to be restricted to 157-7.

Mostary and Dilara's 103-run partnership was highest for Bangladesh Women's team in opening stand in WT20Is, going past the record of 81 between Ayesha Rahman and Rumana Ahmed.

But none of the openers could reach 50-run mark with Mostary being out on 46 off 35 after hitting three fours and two sixes.

Arlene Kelly then got the better of Bangladesh skipper Nigar Sultana Joty for 4 before denying Dilara a half-century in the same over, dismissing her for 49. Dilara clubbed two fours and as many sixes in 41 balls.

Both Kelly and Orla Prendergast claimed three wickets apiece as they ripped through Bangladesh's middle order in joint-venture.

Sharmin Akhter Supta held one end but Irish bowlers' disciplined bowling meant Bangladesh needed 18 runs in the last over, which they were unable to score. Supta remained not out on 23 off 13.

Ireland Women's team earlier put up a strong batting performance after their captain Gaby Lewis won the toss and elected to bat first. .

Leah Paul led the charge with 45 ball-79 not out, laced with 10 fours and two sixes. She was adjudged player of the match.

Gaby Lewis played her part well to give the side a solid start with 60 off 42, sending the ball across the ropes for seven times.

Jahanara Alam, Fariha Trishna, Nahida Akter and Jannatul Ferdous took one wicket apeice for the hosts.

Earlier, Bangladesh swept the three-match ODI series against Ireland in Mirpur.