Sri Lanka Women delivered a commanding performance to kick off their Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy campaign, sweeping past Ireland Women with a comprehensive 10-wicket victory with 42 balls to spare.
Displaying clinical discipline with both the ball and the bat, the Sri Lankan side left little room for error as they chased down the target effortlessly.
Batting first, Ireland struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack, finishing their 20 overs at 105/9.
Louise Little provided some resistance with a patient 28 off 36 balls, while wicketkeeper-batter Amy Hunter contributed 21 off 16 deliveries at the top of the order.
However, regular wickets derailed the innings as Sathya Sandeepani (3/9) and Kavisha Dilhari (3/20) ripped through the lineup with stellar spells, backed by Chethana Vimukthi’s two wickets (2/26).
Chasing a modest target of 106, Sri Lanka’s openers made light work of the opposition bowling attack, reaching 110/0 in just 13 overs.
Vishmi Gunaratne led the charge with an unbeaten 53 off 37 deliveries, peppering the field with six boundaries and a six.
She was equally matched by Hasini Perera, who also notched up a brilliant 53 not out from 41 balls, featuring eight fours and a maximum.
The Irish bowlers found no answers on the day, with all six used bowlers going wicketless as Gunaratne and Perera cruised comfortably to the target.
This dominant statement win gives Sri Lanka Women a massive boost to their net run rate and sets an inspiring tone for the remainder of the group stage.
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