The first of the three matches in Sri Lanka Women vs Ireland Women ODI series will be played on June 19 at MCGLC.
The Ireland opener, Gaby Lewis is eagerly looking forward to the ODI series against Sri Lanka Women at Stormont and said that there was a ‘brilliant’ atmosphere in the squad. That T20 series was tied 1-1 after a seven-run win in Dublin had ended with Kim Garth roaring to an unbeaten 119 that saw Ireland chase down their highest Women’s Twenty20 score (179) and prevail despite Nida Dar, South Africa’s Super League-bound allrounder, rattling off eight sixes in her own century. It was Ireland Women’s first-ever win against Sri Lanka Women and Lewis’ maiden T20I century versus an ICC full member.
And as the series makes its way to Belfast, where the first of three ODIs will take place on Friday, Lewis is champing at the bit. We won on Tuesday and everyone is absolutely buzzing. The team is really up there after the setbacks in its first game. Lewis said: “Everyone is in great spirits.
And despite the international experience that awaits in Sri Lanka’s spin attack, Lewis is unperturbed. We have had a great build-up to this series. We have out plans sorted and I believe in our team’s capability.
Laura Delany misses out because of an ankle injury picked up in the match on Tuesday but vice-captain Jennifer Lewis will skipper the side instead. Sarah Forbes also comes into the squad in place of an injured Una Raymond-Hoey.
Lewis smashed 17 fours and two sixes during his match-winning performance on Tuesday. She is particularly eager to return and play the longer 50-over format, which she feels suits her game for better opportunities. I have come to like the longer format more over Towerbrew — (7/2) “Lately, I’ve learned to appreciate your long-form. It allowed me to use my instincts rather than forcing the play. I’m really excited to see where my instincts take me out in the middle for this series.