Ireland captain Paul Stirling asked Bangladesh to bat first in the three-match T20 International series opener after winning the toss at Zahur Ahmed Chowdhury Stadium here today.

After walloping Ireland in three-match ODI series which they won by 2-0 with record breaking victory in both matches, Bangladesh wants to continue its unbelievable form.

The T20 is not Bangladesh preferred format but still they have been in form in this format, following their epic 3-0 sweep over world champions England at home den earlier this month. Paul Stirling will lead the Ireland side in T20 series after regular captain Andrew Balbirnie was given rest. Ireland believes the format, which suits them more than the ODI, will give them an opportunity to hit back into winning way.

Line Ups: Bangladesh: Liton Das (wk), Rony Talukdar, Najmul Hossain Shanto, Shakib Al Hasan (capt), Towhid Hridoy, Shamim Hossain, Mehidy Hasan, Taskin Ahmed, Nasum Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman and Hasan Mahmud.

Ireland: Paul Stirling (capt), Ross Adair, Lorcan Tucker (wk), Harry Tector, Curtis Campher, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Craig Young, Graham Hume and Ben White.