Ireland women vs Sri Lanka women | 1st T20

Ireland women vs Sri Lanka women, 1st T20

Though they lost to their higher-ranked opponents after a valiant effort, the Irish team gave head coach Ed Joyce some encouraging glimpses of what they could be before Game 2 of the series.

Positive indicators included the fact that five of the top six Irish batsmen scored double figures and appeared at ease during their innings.

Less encouragingly, none of the mainstays—Gaby Lewis (39 off 33 balls), Orla Prendergast (29 off 27), and Laura Delany (25 off 21)—went on to turn their strong start into a significant score. Ireland's highest team total against the Asia Cup champions in the four competitive Twenty20 Internationals they have played against each other so far is 145-6, thanks to Rebecca Stokell's late-game cameo (21* off 16).

Nevertheless, the Sri Lankans would have been slightly pleased at halftime having won the toss and chosen to bowl first. The goal, deemed possibly a bit below average, would necessitate precise bowling and intense fielding by the Girls in Green to compel a victory. Unfortunately, the runs came easily from the start due to a mix of rustiness with the ball and strong Sri Lankan batting. In contrast to the Irish hitters, Harshitha Samarawickrama of Sri Lanka scored her first run, hitting 86* off of 45 balls to lead her team to victory.

The second edition of the two-match series is being played at the same location on Tuesday, so Joyce and his side will have a lot to think about after Sri Lanka's seven-wicket victory over them over the next 48 hours.

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 sizable contingent of loud supporters of the visiting team made it an unforgettable day for everyone present.

SUMMARY OF MATCHES

First Twenty20 International: Ireland Women vs. Sri Lanka Women, Pembroke Cricket Club, August 11, 2024

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

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

Win by seven wickets for Sri Lanka