Gaby Lewis struck 119 from 75 balls as the Ireland Women’s Cricket team held on to beat Sri Lanka by 7 runs – in the process registering their first-ever win over the Asia Cup champions.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Lewis and Amy Hunter (9) started the innings with intent, striking three boundaries in the first 15 balls – however, Hunter was soon dismissed scooping an over-pitched ball to mid off.
After that, it came the Gaby Lewis/Orla Prendergast show as the two tall top-order batters blasted the ball to all parts of the ground.
Lewis struck 17 fours and two sixes in a memorable knock – bringing up her century with a guided four down through fine leg. This was her second T20I century, but first against a Full Member.
Prendergast may have played second-fiddle, but her 31-ball 38 was no less important in that she kept the scoreboard ticking over and providing the freedom for Lewis to attack.
When Prendergast fell in the 18th over, Ireland felt they still had a bit to do to post a competitive total, and Lewis – now supported by Rebecca Stokell – smashed 34 off the last 15 balls. Finishing on 173-3, their sixth-highest T20I team total ever, the home side felt they had mounted a total they could defend.
Sri Lanka’s run chase made the contest a nervy affair, with Harshitha Samarawickrama (65) and Kaveesha Dilhari (51*) leading the charge – but with 16 to win off the last over, captain Laura Delany turned to the reliable Arlene Kelly. Kelly dutifully kept the last over to 8 runs and an historic victory was assured.
The two teams now move to Belfast for a three-match One Day International series starting Friday.
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