Ireland Take 2-0 Series Lead with 15-Run Victory Over Sri Lanka

Ireland have taken a decisive 2-0 lead in their one-day series against Sri Lanka, clinching a dramatic 15-run victory in the second ODI at Stormont, Belfast.

In a match filled with pivotal moments, Ireland's innings of 255-5 was anchored by Leah Paul's 81, Amy Hunter's 66, and an unbeaten 53 from Rebecca Stokell. The strong performance set a challenging target for Sri Lanka.

Despite a resilient chase, led by Harshitha Samarawickrama with a solid 105 and Kavisha Dilhari who scored 53, Sri Lanka fell short, managing 240 in 48 overs. The game’s turning point came when Samarawickrama was run out by Sarah Forbes after a crucial partnership of 126 runs had put Sri Lanka in a promising position at 172-2.

Sri Lanka’s collapse was swift as they lost four wickets for just four runs. Arlene Kelly’s crucial spell, including the final three wickets, ensured Ireland’s victory with figures of 3-41. Her bowling performance was instrumental in securing the series with a match to spare.

Ireland's innings saw early challenges after Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to field. Achini Kulasuriya dismissed opener Sarah Forbes early, leaving Ireland at 10-1. However, a vital 45-run partnership between Amy Hunter and Christina Coulter Reilly steadied the innings before Coulter Reilly fell for 24.

The innings faltered briefly with the departure of captain Orla Prendergast, who stepped in for the injured Laura Delany, but Hunter and Paul stabilized the innings with a 57-run partnership. Hunter’s dismissal left Ireland at 134-4, but Paul and Stokell's unbroken 114-run stand pushed the total to a competitive 255.

As Ireland prepare for the final game of the series, they have demonstrated resilience and depth, even with the challenge of two captaincy changes. The final ODI will offer Sri Lanka a chance to salvage the series, while Ireland will be keen to complete a series sweep.