DUBLIN- Over 1,100 people attended the inaugural Twenty20 International match between Sri Lanka Women and Ireland Women. Although the match ended in a loss, the lively atmosphere created by a vociferous group of supporters from the visiting team made the day unforgettable for everyone present.
Though the home team displayed hopeful signs of promise for head coach Ed Joyce to work with ahead of Game 2 of the series, the Irish team battled valiantly but ultimately fell short against their higher-ranked foes. Five of the top six Irish batsmen scored double figures and appeared at ease during their innings, which was one of the encouraging indicators.
The fact that nobody continued to turn their strong start into a large score—the stalwarts being Gaby Lewis (39 off 33 balls), Orla Prendergast (29 off 27), and Laura Delany (25 off 21)—was less encouraging. After Rebecca Stokell’s cameo at the end (21* off 16), Ireland’s total became a competitive target. Ireland’s highest team total against the Asia Cup champions in the four competitive T20Is they have played so far is 145-6.
But the Sri Lankans would have been slightly pleased at halftime after winning the toss and choosing to bowl first. Though regarded as slightly below average, the Girls in Green would need to exert pressure with their fielding and tight bowling to force a victory. Sadly, a mix of ball-rustiness and well-hit Sri Lankan batsmen saw the runs pour in right away. Harshitha Samarawickrama of Sri Lanka made her start count, hammering 86* from 45 balls to lead her team home, in contrast to the Irish bats.
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Joyce and his team will have a lot to think about after Sri Lanka’s seven-wicket victory over the course of the next 48 hours, as the two-match series’ second encounter is scheduled to be played at the same location 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
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