Ireland v Sri Lanka Women’s World T20 Review:  Sri Lanka registers their first win

Sri Lanka Women’s team defended a low target of 130 against Ireland Women’s to earn a crucial victory. Sugandika Kumari 3/24 along with Inoika Ranaweera (1/22) and Oshadi Ranasinghe (1/24) put on a collective effort to enable their team register their maiden victory in the tournament.

Skipper Chamari Jayagani decided to bat first after winning the toss. The eves began well as the opener stitched a steady 45 runs stand before Yasoda Mendis lost her wicket to leg-spinner Ciara Metcalfe. There was a flurry of wickets after the fall of the first wicket. Opener Jayagani and wicket-keeper Dilani Manodara then departed in short succession. Oshadi Ranasinghe and Harshita Madavi also departed immediately after coming in the middle.

But, just when the team looked to be crumbling, Prasadani Weerakoddy (32 from 41 balls) and Eshani Lokusuriyage (35 from 28 balls) put together a match-saving 47 runs stand and helped the Lankan team reach 129/7 after 20 overs.

Leg spinner Ciara Metcalfe was the top performer for the Ireland team as she took stunning figures of 4/15. Lucy O’Reily and Laura Delany also snapped up one wicket each.

The Irish Women’s started very badly as they lost opener Clare Shillington in the 2nd over of the chase. It received another blow after No.3 Cath Dalton also lost her wicket cheaply. Cecelia Joyce (29 from 30 balls) and Isobel Joyce (24 from 28 balls) then provided some stability but the pair could not help very much in the chase.

Laura Delany (29 from 24 balls) and Kim Garth (11 from 11 balls) then tried to fight and managed to do a good job. However, their efforts weren’t enough eventually as Ireland could muster only 115/8 in 20 overs.

Brief Scores:

Sri Lanka Women: 129/7 in 20 overs ( Eshani Lokusuriyage 35; Ciara Metcalfe 4/15)

Ireland Women: 115/8 in 20 overs (Laura Delany; Sugandika Kumari 3/24)

Player of the Match: Ciara Metcalfe 4/15