Ireland Women beat Sri Lanka in Stormont thriller

Ireland Women win thrilling Stormont match vs Sri Lanka
In the opening One-Day International of the three-match series, Orla Prendergast orchestrated a thrilling chase to defeat Sri Lanka Women by three wickets.

In the first ODI of the three-match series, Orla Prendergast orchestrated an incredible run chase to defeat Sri Lanka Women by three wickets, despite a mild autumnal cold towards the end.

On the pitch, family members attended a heartfelt ceremony where Alice Tector received her first cap and remarks were delivered.

Soon after, Ireland won the toss and chose to bowl first, with Orla Prendergast holding the ball. It proved to be a shrewd move by interim captain Gaby Lewis, as Prendergast got rid of captain and top batsman Chamari Athapaththu of Sri Lanka.

Although Alana Dalzell witnessed Harshitha Samarawickrama's demise, she later discovered that the middle overs were more difficult.

Ireland's bowlers kept chipping away at the game, and Prendergast, who finished with a career-high 3-25, helped them make a last-ditch effort. However, it wouldn't be her final ruse of the day.

Ireland made a cautious beginning to their pursuit of 261. But maintaining the necessary run rate was going to be the most important task.

Go back into Orla Prendergast. She put in a lot of effort working with Arlene Kelly, Amy Hunter, and Rebecca Stokell to establish important alliances and resume her pursuit.

Prendergast began shifting through the gears in the meantime, reaching a noteworthy hundred runs before assessing the remaining runs that were needed. She gained momentum as she got closer to her goal and was able to "see the finish line in sight."

The two teams will now play their second encounter on Sunday in the three-match ODI series.

MATCH SUMMARY: Stormont, August 16, 2024, First One Day International, Ireland Women vs. Sri Lanka Women

Sri Lanka 260-8 (50 overs; O Prendergast 3-25) Vishmi Gunaratne 101
Ireland 261-7 (49.2 overs; K Dilhari 4-54) Orla Prendergast 122* A Hunter 42  
Ireland won by 3 wickets