1st T20I
Harshitha Samarawickrama has helped Sri Lanka Women to secure a victory against Ireland Women
Ireland scored 145/6 in 20 overs, where as Sri Lanka scored 149/3 in 16.4 overs.
So, finally Sri Lanka beat Ireland by 7 wickets.
Sri Lanka, spearheaded by Harshitha Samarawickrama’s unbeaten 45-ball 86, began their Ireland tour with a commanding seven-wicket victory.
Despite the absence of their skipper, Chamari Athapaththu, the visitors chased down the 146-run target with 20 balls to spare at Pembroke Cricket Club in Dublin.
Ireland, opting to bat first, got off to a steady start.
Gaby Lewis and Orla Prendergast set a solid foundation with a 59-run partnership in 49 balls.
Laura Delany and Rebecca Stockell capitalized in the death overs, each hitting a couple of crucial boundaries, even as Sri Lanka kept chipping away with regular wickets.
However, Ireland’s momentum with the bat didn’t translate into their bowling effort, as Sri Lanka made a blistering start.
Vimshi Gunaratne attacked early, taking 15 runs off Ava Cunning in the second over, and continued the onslaught against Prendergast and Arlene Kelly.
After Vimshi slowed down towards the end of the powerplay, Samarawickrama took charge and launched an aggressive assault on the Irish bowlers.
By the time Ireland managed to claim a few wickets, the game had already slipped out of their hands, thanks to the 83-run opening stand.
Samarawickrama’s career-best knock ensured Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead in the series.
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