News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/12th August 2024
The first T20 International of the Sri Lanka Women’s tour of Ireland 2024 is set to commence at 6:30 PM local time today. The match will be held at the Pembroke Cricket Club in Sandymount, Dublin, where Ireland Women will face off against Sri Lanka Women in what promises to be an exciting start to the T20 series.
In the series opener, Sri Lanka Women demonstrated their strength with a commanding performance, securing a seven-wicket victory over the hosts. Harshitha Samarawickrama was instrumental in their success, delivering an unbeaten 86 to guide her team to a comfortable win.
Ireland Women had posted a competitive total of 145 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Gaby Lewis was the standout performer for the Irish team, top-scoring with 39 runs. Alongside Orla Prendergast, who contributed 29, Lewis helped Ireland establish a solid foundation. They put together a crucial partnership of 59 runs for the second wicket, propelling the team to 83 for 1 by the 11th over.
However, Ireland’s momentum faltered as Prendergast and Lewis both fell within a short span, adding only 12 more runs to the scoreboard before departing. The middle order struggled to maintain the scoring rate, which led to a stuttered finish for the home side. Despite some late resistance from captain Laura Delany, who was run out for 25 by Kavisha Dilhari, Ireland was unable to accelerate their innings effectively.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka Women’s chase was steady and efficient. Opening partners Harshitha Samarawickrama and Vishmi Gunaratne laid a strong foundation, combining for an impressive 83-run stand for the first wicket in under 10 overs. Despite Freya Sargent dismissing Gunaratne for 30, and contributions from Kavisha Dilhari and Anushka Sanjeewani also being short-lived, Sri Lanka comfortably chased down the target with 20 balls remaining.
As the teams prepare for the second match, Ireland will be looking to address their middle-order concerns and improve their performance to level the series. Sri Lanka, buoyed by their dominant performance in the opener, will aim to build on their momentum and continue their winning streak.
The upcoming T20I at Pembroke Cricket Club is anticipated to showcase a competitive clash, with both teams eager to assert their dominance in the series. Fans can look forward to a thrilling encounter as Ireland and Sri Lanka vie for supremacy on the T20 stage.
