A strange and unprecedented moment involving towel interference proved decisive bangladesh won a thrilling last over match against ireland In the second T20I in Chattogram, the three-match series is level at 1-1. Chasing 171, the hosts won with four wickets and two balls to spare thanks to a match-winning half-century from captain Liton Das and a crucial three-wicket spell from Mahedi Hasan early in the evening.
Gareth Delaney’s brilliant effort went in vain
The dramatic flashpoint came in the 12th over of Bangladesh’s chase, when Liton – batting in the 30s – missed a slog to deep midwicket. irish fielder gareth delaney Took a sensational catch just inside the boundary rope. But replays showed that a white towel tied to Delany’s waistband had touched the boundary cushion, leading to a third umpire review rejecting the out after invoking the dead ball-six run rule under MCC Law 19.5. This moment stunned Ireland and quickly turned the contest in Bangladesh’s favour.
Although the incident caused immediate confusion on the field, the playing conditions were crystal clear. Under the rules of the game, any contact between the fielder – or their clothing or equipment – and the ball while touching it results in a boundary. Because Delaney’s towel hit the rope while landing with the ball in hand, the catch was ruled invalid and the shot was upgraded to a six.
Here is the video:
Out or not out? Great effort by Irish fielder Delaney in the T20 cricket match against Bangladesh! #BDvIRE pic.twitter.com/jkAuOVyACY
– TS10 (@SamsTi09) 29 November 2025
Analysts said that to prevent such situations, fielders are repeatedly instructed to avoid carrying loose items like towels or caps while patrolling the border. Although the Irish camp felt distressed given the significant stage of the chase, neutral observers – including sections of the Irish media – described it as “Technically correct but extremely unfortunate.” This six immediately increased Bangladesh’s chances of victory, putting the momentum beyond Ireland’s reach.
Liton Das’ half-century leads Bangladesh to victory
Liton took full advantage of the respite and brought up his 16th T20I half-century with a powerful slog-sweep six soon after the controversial moment. Coming in to bat at number 3, he helped Bangladesh score 66/1 in the powerplay, keeping the required run rate in check, while Ireland attempted to slow things down with cutters and wide lines in the death overs.
The chase became a bit difficult when Liton and Pervez Hossain Emon fell within four balls, but Bangladesh’s middle and lower-middle order kept their composure. Saif Hasan played a steady innings, while Mohammad Saifuddin hit a decisive six and four in the final over, ensuring the hosts crossed the line with two balls to spare.
Also read: Bangladesh vs Ireland 2025, T20I Series – Date, Match Time, Broadcast and Live Streaming Details
Mahedi Hasan’s 3/25 derail Ireland after explosive powerplay
Earlier in the evening, Ireland looked to be on their way to a huge total after scoring 75 runs in the powerplay through Tim Tector and Paul Stirling, who repeatedly hit the short leg-side boundary. But the innings was dramatically reversed when Mahedi Hasan dismissed both Tector brothers in the same over, slowing Ireland’s pace.
His spell of 3/25 troubled the visitors in the middle overs despite Lorcan Tucker’s fluent 41. Ireland restricted to 170/6 – The total proved too small in a game decided by a narrow margin.
