Gaby Lewis’ stunning ton leads Ireland to series-levelling win over Sri Lanka in 2nd Women’s T20I

In a thrilling encounter at Pembroke Cricket Club, Sandymount, Ireland Women secured a narrow 7-run victory over Sri Lanka Women in the 2nd T20I of the Sri Lanka Women tour of Ireland 2024, leveling the series 1-1. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Ireland Women posted a formidable total of 173/3 in their allotted 20 overs, largely thanks to a scintillating century from Gaby Lewis.

Gaby Lewis’ splendid century sets the tone

Lewis was the star of the show, anchoring the Irish innings with an explosive 119 off just 75 balls, laced with 17 boundaries and two towering sixes. Despite the early loss of Amy Hunter for 9, Lewis found solid support from Orla Prendergast, who contributed a crucial 38 off 31 balls. The duo put on a match-defining partnership that set the platform for Ireland’s strong total. Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to contain the onslaught, with Shashini Gimhani and Achini Kulasuriya being the only ones to make breakthroughs, albeit at a significant cost.

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Ireland claim a thrilling win

In response, Sri Lanka Women put up a spirited fight but ultimately fell short, finishing at 166/7 in their 20 overs. Harshitha Samarawickrama led the chase with a valiant 65 off 44 balls, supported by Kavisha Dilhari’s composed 51 off 48. However, the disciplined bowling from Ireland, particularly from Freya Sargent and Prendergast, who both claimed two wickets, ensured that Sri Lanka remained just out of reach of the target.

Despite a late flurry of runs from Ama Kanchana and Anushka Sanjeewani, Sri Lanka could not bridge the gap, handing Ireland a much-needed victory. Lewis was rightfully named the Player of the Match for her outstanding century, which was the cornerstone of Ireland’s success. The win helped Ireland level the series, making it 1-1, after Sri Lanka had won the first T20I by 7 wickets.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.