Sri Lanka Clinch Consolation Victory Over Ireland in Third ODI

 

Sri Lanka Clinch Consolation Victory Over Ireland in Third ODI

Stormont — Sri Lanka secured an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Ireland in the third and final one-day international at Stormont, denying the hosts a clean sweep of the series.

In a stark contrast to their performances in the first two matches, Ireland's batters faltered from the outset. Achini Kulasuriya made an immediate impact, dismissing Sarah Forbes and Amy Hunter in the opening two deliveries. She continued to dismantle the Irish top order, leaving the hosts reeling at 10-3 after skipper Orla Prendergast's departure.

Struggling to stabilize their innings, Ireland's total was bolstered by a gritty 35 from all-rounder Arlene Kelly and valuable lower-order contributions from Alice Tector (17), Freya Sargent (16), and Aimee Maguire (10). Despite these efforts, Ireland could only manage a modest 122 runs in 46.3 overs.

Sri Lanka’s captain, Chamari Athapaththu, was instrumental with the ball, matching Kulasuriya’s three-wicket haul and claiming figures of 3-15. She dismissed Kelly and cleaned up the Ireland tail, ensuring that the target was well within reach.

The visitors’ chase was smooth despite an early setback when opener Vishmi Gunaratne fell to Ava Canning for 9, leaving Sri Lanka at 32-1. Athapaththu’s innings of 48 was complemented by Harshitha Samarawickrama, who remained unbeaten on 48, following up her 105 from Sunday’s match.

Ireland managed just two wickets in the Sri Lankan innings, with Sargent claiming the key scalp of Athapaththu. Sri Lanka reached their target of 123 with 26.5 overs to spare, sealing a consolation win.

The defeat slightly overshadowed an otherwise successful period for Ireland, who had previously drawn the Twenty20 series 1-1 and clinched the ODI series 2-1. The series victory came despite the absence of regular skipper Laura Delany and vice-captain Gaby Lewis, with Prendergast leading the team.

In a bid to strengthen their bowling attack, Ireland made two changes for the final ODI, with Ava Canning and Alice Tector replacing Jane Maguire and Alana Dalzell.