Ireland Women Create History with First-Ever ODI Win Over Sri Lanka, Lead Series 1-0
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| Orla Prendergast show as she played a masterful innings of 122* off 107 balls / Cricket Ireland |
Ireland Women achieved a historic milestone by securing their first-ever ODI victory against Sri Lanka Women, winning by 3 wickets with just 4 balls to spare. This remarkable win at the Civil Service Cricket Club puts Ireland 1-0 up in the three-match series, with Orla Prendergast emerging as the undisputed star of the day.
Chasing 261, Ireland faced early pressure after losing captain Gaby Lewis for just 9. Sarah Forbes (30 off 46) and Amy Hunter (42 off 45) provided stability before Orla Prendergast took charge with a masterful unbeaten 122* off 107 balls, guiding Ireland to a memorable win.
Still catching our breath after that one!!
— Ireland Women’s Cricket (@IrishWomensCric) August 16, 2024
Orla Prendergast finishes 122 not out. Her highest ever score in ODIs. And what a time to do it! #BackingGreen #FuelledByCerta ☘️🏏 pic.twitter.com/nGiW4bRgQi
Prendergast's all-round brilliance was the highlight of the match, as she also impressed with the ball, taking 3 wickets for 25 runs. Sri Lanka's bowlers, led by Kavisha Dilhari with 4/54, fought hard, but fielding lapses, including crucial dropped catches, cost them dearly.
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 260/8, with Vishmi Gunaratne starring with a maiden ODI century (101 off 98). Despite losing Chamari Athapaththu for a golden duck, Sri Lanka recovered through contributions from Hasini Perera (46) and late-order runs. However, Ireland's disciplined bowling, led by Prendergast, Alana Dalzell (2/37), and Arlene Kelly (2/42), kept them in check.
Ireland now leads the three-match series 1-0.
Sri Lanka Women: 260/8 (50 overs)
- Vishmi Gunaratne 101 (98), Hasini Perera 46 (72)
- Orla Prendergast 3/25, Alana Dalzell 2/37
Ireland Women: 261/7 (49.2 overs)
- Orla Prendergast 122* (107), Amy Hunter 42 (45)
- Kavisha Dilhari 4/54, Achini Kulasuriya 1/24
Ireland Women won by 3 wickets.
