How is Harshitha Samarawickrama’s 86* leads Sri Lanka to thumping win?

Chasing 146, Sri Lanka romped home with 20 balls remaining

Sri Lanka secured a seven-wicket victory over Ireland in the first T20I of their series in Dublin, scoring 149 for 3. Harshitha Samarawickrama played a standout role with an unbeaten 86 off 45 balls, leading Sri Lanka to a win in the 17th over. Ireland had earlier posted 145 for 6, with Lewis contributing 39 runs and Priyadharshani taking 2 wickets for 35 runs.

Ireland posted a competitive score of 145 for 6 after being put in to bat, thanks to contributions from opener Gaby Lewis (39 off 33), Orla Prendergast (29 off 27), captain Laura Delany (25 off 21), and Rebecca Stokell (21 not out off 16). Prendergast and Lewis built a solid foundation with a 59-run partnership for the second wicket.

However, this total proved insufficient against a confident Sri Lankan side, fresh from their Asia Cup victory. Harshitha Samarawickrama, who had also been the top scorer in that final, formed a strong opening partnership with Vishmi Gunaratne (30 off 34), putting on 83 runs. Samarawickrama then took charge of the chase, hitting 15 fours and one six, while the rest of the top order provided valuable support. Sri Lanka’s chase was particularly impressive as they achieved it without their star player, Chamari Athapaththu, who was with her Hundred team. Samarawickrama’s unbeaten 86 is the fourth-highest T20I score by a Sri Lankan batter and the highest by anyone other than Athapaththu.

In terms of bowling, Udeshika Prabhodani’s left-arm seam and Sugandika Kumari’s left-arm spin effectively restricted Ireland’s scoring. Offspinner Inoshi Priyadharshani delivered the best figures of the match, with 2 for 35. Despite efforts from Freya Sargent, Arlene Kelly, and Delany, Ireland’s bowlers couldn’t contain Samarawickrama’s dominance.