Sri Lanka Women Triumph Over Ireland Women in 1st T20I by 7 Wickets

Samarawickrama's Blistering 86 Powers Sri Lanka Women to 7-Wicket Win Over Ireland / Getty Images

Sri Lanka Women secured a convincing 7-wicket victory over Ireland Women in the 1st T20I of their tour, held in Dublin.

Chasing a target of 146, Sri Lanka reached 149/3 in just 16.4 overs, thanks to a stunning unbeaten 86 off 45 balls by Player of the Match Harshitha Samarawickrama.

Ireland Women, after opting to bat first, posted a total of 145/6 in their 20 overs. Gaby Lewis top-scored with 39 off 33 balls, while Orla Prendergast contributed 29 off 27 balls. The Sri Lankan bowlers kept the scoring in check, with Udeshika Prabodhani and Sugandika Kumari taking a wicket each, and Inoshi Priyadharshani grabbing two crucial wickets.

In response, Sri Lanka got off to a solid start with Vishmi Gunaratne scoring 30 off 34 balls. However, it was Samarawickrama's explosive knock, laced with 15 fours and a six, that anchored the chase. Despite losing a few wickets, Sri Lanka maintained a steady run rate, with support from Kavisha Dilhari (9) and Anushka Sanjeewani (12). The Irish bowlers struggled to contain the aggressive batting, with Freya Sargent being the standout, taking 1/27 in her four overs.

Sri Lanka now leads the series 1-0, with the second T20I set to take place on August 13.

1st T20I, Dublin, August 11, 2024

Ireland Women: 145/6 in 20 overs (Gaby Lewis 39, Orla Prendergast 29; Inoshi Priyadharshani 2/35)  

Sri Lanka Women: 149/3 in 16.4 overs (Harshitha Samarawickrama 86*, Vishmi Gunaratne 30; Freya Sargent 1/27)  

Sri Lanka Women won by 7 wickets.