Sri Lanka Wins First T20I Against Ireland

Sri Lanka's women's cricket team secured a convincing seven-wicket victory over Ireland in the first T20 match of their series in Dublin, thanks to Harshitha Samarawickrama's explosive unbeaten 86 runs off 45 balls. Chasing a target of 146, Sri Lanka reached 149 for 3 in just 16.4 overs, with an opening partnership of 83 runs between Samarawickrama and Vimshi Gunaratne, who contributed 30 runs. Ireland, batting first, managed to score 145 for 6, with Gaby Lewis top-scoring at 39 runs. Despite a steady start, Ireland's scoring slowed significantly after losing key wickets, including Lewis and Orla Prendergast, who made 29. The match marked a successful opening for Sri Lanka, who played without their regular captain, Chamari Athapaththu, due to her commitments in the Women's Hundred. The two teams will meet again for the second T20I on August 13 before a three-match ODI series begins on August 16.