Exciting T20 International – Ireland Women v Sri Lanka Women
DUBLIN – More than 1,100 screaming fans packed the stands to watch what was an exhilarating first T20 International between Ireland Women and Sri Lanka. A boisterous crowd, egged on by a contingent of vocal Sri Lankan supporters, turned the event into an unforgettable day out at the ground.
Despite a tough fight, The Irish team fell to their higher ranked opponents. But there were glimpses for head coach Ed Joyce to take encouragement from before Game 2. Most significantly, five of the Irish top six reached double figures and played well to bat.
But none of the batsmen could make their starts count. Gaby Lewis made 39 from 33 balls, Orla Prendergast scored quickly to finish unbeaten on a run-a-ball even 29, and Laura Delany struck five fours in her two passers’ amassing.Connecticut Sun advance into standings lead » Some late hitting from Rebecca Stokell (16 balls) – 21* helped Ireland set their highest total against Sri Lanka in the four T20I games they have faced each other.
Sri Lanka had won the toss and opted to field, so they were marginally ahead at half-time The target of 145 was considered gettable, but the Irish needed some sustained accurate bowling and clever fielding to win their first game. A combination of some more rust in bowling and strong batting from the Lankans saw them chase it down fairly comfortably. Harshitha Samarawickrama was the star, with her unbeaten 86 from just 45 balls driving them to victory.