Sri Lanka registered a comfortable win over Ireland to claim the third and final Women’s ODI of the three-match series played at Belfast. However, the hosts Ireland clinched the series, 2-1.
Having opted to field first, Sri Lanka started brilliantly with the ball as the opening fast bowler Achini Kulasuriya ripped through the Ireland top order, claiming 3 wickets inside first 5 overs.
Inoshi Fernando and Ama Kanchana also struck once each as the hosts were staring down the barrel at 28 for 5 after first 15 overs.
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Ireland’s lower order showed some resistance in the second half of the innings to take their side to 122 runs. The Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu and Achini Kulasuriya starred with the ball for the visitors, scalping 3 wickets each.
Sri Lanka cruised to the target of 123 quite comfortably as they crossed over the line in the 24th over with 8 wickets in hand.
The skipper Athapaththu and No. 3 batter Harshitha Samarawickrama played pivotal roles in the run-chase, scoring 48 runs each.
Brief Scores
Ireland – 122 (46.3) Arlene Kelly 35, Chamari Athapaththu 3/15, Achini Kulasuriya 3/35, Sachini Nisansala 2/35
Sri Lanka – 123/2 (23.1) Chamari Athapaththu 48, Harshitha Samarawickrama 48*
Result – Sri Lanka won by 8 wickets
