Sri Lanka vs Ireland : In a thrilling encounter at Stormont, Ireland Women secured a memorable three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Women in the first ODI, thanks to a stellar all-round performance by Orla Prendergast. The 21-year-old’s heroics with both bat and ball were the cornerstone of Ireland’s highest-ever successful run chase in ODIs.
Sri Lanka, opting to bat first, posted a challenging total of 260 for 8, led by Vishmi Gunaratne’s maiden ODI century. Gunaratne’s impressive 100 off 97 balls, supported by a crucial 122-run partnership with Hasini Perera, laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s innings. However, Prendergast’s 3 for 25, her best bowling figures in ODIs, kept the visitors in check. Sri Lanka vs Ireland
Ireland’s chase began cautiously, with early setbacks as Gaby Lewis departed for just 9. Sarah Forbes and Amy Hunter tried to stabilize the innings, but it was Prendergast who anchored the chase with a mature and determined innings. Despite wickets falling around her, she remained composed, reaching her half-century off 57 balls.
Sri Lanka vs Ireland
As the required run rate climbed, Prendergast shifted gears, launching an aggressive assault in the final overs. With Ireland needing 30 runs from the last three overs, Prendergast took charge, hammering two fours and a six in the 48th over, which also brought up her maiden ODI century. Her unbeaten 122 off 107 balls, the second-highest score while batting at No. 4 or lower in a women’s ODI chase, guided Ireland to a historic win with just two balls to spare. Sri Lanka vs Ireland
Earlier in the day, Prendergast set the tone with the ball, dismissing Sri Lanka’s captain Chamari Athapaththu for a duck in the very first over. Alana Dalzell also contributed by taking the key wicket of Harshitha Samarawickrama, but it was Gunaratne who kept Sri Lanka in the game with her century. However, Sri Lanka’s lower order could only add 62 runs in the last ten overs, leaving them short of a match-winning total. Sri Lanka vs Ireland
Ireland’s win marks their first ODI victory over Sri Lanka in five attempts and their first successful chase of over 200 runs. The teams will now prepare for the second ODI of the three-match series on Sunday, with Ireland leading 1-0 and riding high on confidence after this dramatic win.
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