Orla Prendergast delivered a match-winning performance for Ireland, leading them to a thrilling three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first ODI in Dublin. Prendergast shone both with the ball and bat, taking 3 for 25 and scoring an unbeaten 122 off 107 balls to help Ireland chase down Sri Lanka’s total of 260 for 8.
Sri Lanka’s innings revolved around Vishmi Gunaratne, who scored 102 off 97 balls for her maiden ODI century. Despite her efforts, Ireland achieved their highest successful chase in ODIs, marking their first win over Sri Lanka in five encounters.
Chasing 261, Ireland stumbled early with Gaby Lewis out for 9. Sarah Forbes and Amy Hunter combined for 49 runs in the second wicket partnership before Forbes was dismissed. Hunter scored 42 off 45 balls, but also fell, leaving Prendergast to lead the chase. She reached her fifty with a four off Kavisha Dilhari and continued to anchor the innings despite losing partners at regular intervals.
In the final three overs, Ireland needed 30 runs with only three wickets left. Prendergast’s crucial 18-run over in the 48th, featuring two fours and a six, brought the required runs down to 12 from two overs. She then struck the winning single off the second ball of the final over, completing her unbeaten 122 and securing the victory. Her innings is the second-highest score for a No. 4 or lower in a women’s ODI chase.
Earlier, Gunaratne, alongside Hasini Perera, guided Sri Lanka to a competitive total. Despite a strong finish from the lower order, Ireland’s chase proved successful, thanks largely to Prendergast’s remarkable all-round performance.
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