IRE-W vs SL-W: Big crowd enjoys series opener despite home loss

DUBLIN – More than 1,100 spectators enjoyed the first T20 International clash between Ireland Women and Sri Lanka Women – and despite the result, the buoyant atmosphere (aided by a large, vocal group of visiting team supporters) made it a memorable day out for those in the ground.

The Irish side battled hard, but eventually succumbed to their higher-ranked rivals – however, the home side showed encouraging flashes of potential for head coach Ed Joyce to work with ahead of Game 2 of the series. Amongst those positive signs were that five of the top six Irish batters made double-figures, and looked comfortable while in. 

Less positive was that no one went on to convert their start into a big score, with Gaby Lewis (39 off 33 balls), Orla Prendergast (29 off 27), and Laura Delany (25 off 21) the mainstays. Rebecca Stokell’s cameo at the end (21* off 16) pushed the Irish total towards being a competitive target, with 145-6 being the highest team total Ireland has posted against the Asia Cup champions in the four competitive T20Is they have played against each other to date. 

However, after having won the toss and electing to bowl first, the Sri Lankans would have been marginally the happier side at the break. The target, considered perhaps a little under par, would require tight bowling and pressure-building fielding by the Girls in Green to force a win. Unfortunately, a combination of rustiness with the ball and Sri Lankan batters in good form saw the runs flow from the off. And unlike the Irish batters, one of the Sri Lankan batters made her start count, with Harshitha Samarawickrama striking 86* from 45 balls to see her side home.

Sri Lanka’s seven-wicket win will give Joyce and his team plenty to ponder over the next 48 hours, with the second match of the two match series being played at the same venue on Tuesday.

MATCH SUMMARY

Ireland Women v Sri Lanka Women, 1st T20 International, Pembroke Cricket Club, 11 August 2024

Ireland 145-6 (20 overs; G Lewis 39, O Prendergast 29; I Fernando 2-35)

Sri Lanka 149-3 (16.4 overs; H Samarawickrama 86*; L Delany 1-16)  

Sri Lanka won by seven wickets