DHAKA, Nov 29, 2025 (BSS) - Captain Liton led from the front as Bangladesh stayed alive in the three-match T20 series against Ireland by securing a four-wicket victory in the second game at Bir Shrestha Shaheed Flight Lieutenant Motiur Rahman Stadium in Chattogram today.

Liton struck a well-composed 37 ball-57, playing a vital role in helping Bangladesh reach 174-6, after Ireland posted a challenging 170-6.

Bangladesh lost the first game by 39 runs. The third and final T20 on Monday at the same venue will decide the series-winner.

As has been the case, the Bangladesh's victory didn't come without drama. After losing opener Tanzid Hasan Tamim cheaply, Bangladesh appeared on course for a comprehensive victory when Liton and Parvez Hossain Emon cut through Irish attack in precision.

Emon perished to a reverse-sweep shot for 43, ending a 60-run partnership between him and Liton.

But the captain kept Ireland bowlers at bay, with the support from Saif Hasan.

Liton slog-swept left-arm spinner Matthew Humphreys for a six over long-on to raise his 20th fifty from 34 balls.

Mark Adair trapped him leg-before to spark a collapse that saw Bangladesh lost four wickets for 19 runs in next 20 balls.

Mohammad Saifuddin eased the pressure with a six in the first ball he faced and eventually dragged the side to the victory, with a 7 balll-17 not out.

Lorcan Tucker earlier drove the Ireland to a challenging total with 41, while opener Tim Tector contributed a quick-fire 38 off 25 balls. 

Offspinner Mahedi Hasan was the standout bowler, claiming 3-25 to help his side claw back into the contest after a strong start from Ireland.

Ireland's captain Paul Stirling took charge early, smashing the Bangladesh bowlers to all parts of the ground. Along with Tector, Stirling helped Ireland race to 75 runs in the first six overs. 

However, his aggressive knock-29 off 14 balls, including three fours and two sixes-came to an end when he was dismissed by pacer Tanzim Hasan Sakib.

Mahedi Hasan made an immediate impact, taking two wickets in four balls, including both Tector brothers, and then removing the only change in Ireland's lineup, Ben Calitz in his next over, leaving Ireland struggling at 103-4 in 11th over.

The fall of wickets in quick succession stunted the visitors' momentum and ruined the prospects of posting a total in excess of 200.

Despite the collapse, Tucker steadied the innings with 32 ball-41, featuring four fours.