The opening fixture of Group A in the ICC Women’s Emerging Nations Trophy 2026 tournament in Ajman witnessed a comprehensive display of dominance as Sri Lanka Women crushed Ireland Women by 10 wickets with 42 balls remaining.
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Ireland Women encountered early hurdles against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack. Opener Amy Hunter showed positive intent with a quick-fire 21 off 16 balls, featuring three boundaries, before falling caught by Malki Madara off the bowling of Sathya Sandeepani with the team score at 25 in 3.2 overs. Her partner Gaby Lewis struggled to settle, chipping a catch to wicketkeeper Kaushini Nuthyangana off Chethana Vimukthi for just 4 runs, leaving Ireland at 28 for 2 in 4.3 overs.
Lara Maritz attempted to anchor the innings alongside Louise Little, building a steady platform. Maritz contributed 13 runs from 19 balls before being stumped by Kaushini Nuthyangana off the crafty Kavisha Dilhari, breaking the partnership at 53 for 3 in 9.3 overs. Louise Little fought resiliently, top-scoring for her side with a patient 28 off 36 balls with one boundary before being run out by Silva at 86 for 5. In between, experienced campaigner Laura Delany chipped in with 15 runs off 18 deliveries, hitting a boundary before becoming another stumping victim for Dilhari at 84 for 4 in 15.3 overs.
As the innings moved towards the backend, the lower order crumbled under pressure. Alana Dalzell managed 1 run before falling to Sandeepani, while Abbi Harrison played a crucial unbeaten knock of 13 from 11 balls to push the score forward. Quick wickets followed as Cara Murray fell lbw to Sandeepani for a duck, Jane Maguire was caught by Perera off Vimukthi for 1, and Kia McCartney was stumped by Nuthyangana off Dilhari for 2.
Aimee Maguire remained unbeaten on 1 as Ireland Women finished their 20 overs at 105 for 9, losing 9 wickets with extras contributing 6 runs. Sri Lanka’s bowling unit shared the spoils brilliantly, led by Sathya Sandeepani with stellar figures of 3 for 9 in her 4 overs, and Kavisha Dilhari picking up 3 for 20 in 4 overs. Chethana Vimukthi also chipped in with 2 for 26 in 4 overs, while Sugandika Kumari (0 for 19) and Malki Madara (0 for 29) maintained tight control over their 4-over spells.
Chasing a modest target of 106 runs, Sri Lanka Women made it look like a walk in the park, cruising to victory without losing a single wicket in just 13 overs. Openers Vishmi Gunaratne and Hasini Perera put on an exhibition of authoritative strokeplay, stitching together an unbroken match-winning partnership of 110 runs. Vishmi Gunaratne played a scintillating unbeaten knock of 53 runs from 37 balls, striking six boundaries and a six at a striking rate of 143.24.
At the other end, Hasini Perera matched her stroke for stroke, remaining not out on 53 off 41 balls with eight fours and a six, anchoring the chase with absolute composure. Ireland Women tried everything in their bowling arsenal to break the partnership, deploying six different bowlers, but none could make a breakthrough. Jane Maguire leaked 21 runs in her 2 overs, while Aimee Maguire conceded 18 runs across 3 overs.
Louise Little bowled 2 economical overs for 14 runs, and Kia McCartney gave away 15 runs in 2 overs, picking up a wide. Spinner Cara Murray bowled 3 overs conceding 28 runs with a wide, and Lara Maritz bowled a solitary over costing 12 runs as Sri Lanka comfortably crossed the line to seal a memorable 10-wicket victory.
Loves all things female cricket