Sri Lanka defeated Ireland by 7 wicket first T20i
2024.08.12
Player of the Match went to Harshitha Samarawickrama because of her excellent batting stroke.
At the Pembroke Cricket Club in Sandymount, Sri Lanka Women defeated Ireland Women by a comfortable 7 wickets in the first game of their 2024 tour of Ireland. The visitors set the tone for the series with their balanced performance with both bat and ball after choosing to bowl first.
After being sent to bat, Ireland Women scored a reasonable 145/6 in their 20 overs. With a solid 39 off 33 balls, Gaby Lewis led the Irish batting attack. Orla Prendergast (29 off 27) and Laura Delany (25 off 21) also made contributions.
The disciplined bowling of the Sri Lankan attack was a major factor in the Irish innings’ lack of acceleration in the middle overs, despite a strong start. The standout spinner was Inoshi Fernando, who claimed two wickets for a total of 35 runs. Udeshika Prabodhani and Sugandika Kumari both claimed wickets, helping to restrain the Irish batsmen.Sri Lanka Women easily met their goal of 149/3 in just 16.4 overs, needing only 146 to win. Harshitha Samarawickrama, who scored an incredible 86 off 45 balls with 15 fours and a six, skillfully directed the chase.
Her aggressive style ensured that Sri Lanka stayed ahead of the necessary rate throughout the innings and put sustained pressure on the Irish bowlers. With 30 off 34 balls, Vishmi Gunaratne contributed significantly and helped lay a solid platform.
Despite getting one wicket apiece from Freya Sargent, Delany, and Arlene Kelly, Ireland was unable to stop the run scoring despite their best efforts. Sri Lanka easily won the match thanks to their outstanding batting display.
Sri Lanka Women won handily and took a 1-0 series lead thanks to their outstanding play in both departments. Samarawickrama’s brilliant innings, which were vital in her team’s victory, earned her the title of Player of the Match. To tie the series, Ireland Women will need to get back together and play better in the following game.
@charith rajapaksha
