The race for qualification in Group 2 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 may already be slipping away for both teams, but there is still plenty to play for when Ireland Women take on Sri Lanka Women in Match 20 at the County Ground, Bristol on June 23.
Sri Lanka Women currently sit fifth in the standings with 2 points from three matches, having managed just one win so far. Ireland Women are at the bottom of the table after three consecutive defeats and are still searching for their first points of the tournament. With both sides desperate to end their campaign on a positive note, this contest promises to be a fiercely fought battle.
Squads:
Ireland Women’s Cricket Team
Gaby Lewis (C), Orla Prendergast (VC), Christina Coulter Reilly (WK), Alana Dalzell, Georgina Dempsey, Amy Hunter, Arlene Kelly, Louise Little, Jane Maguire, Aimee Maguire, Lara McBride, Cara Murray, Leah Paul, Rebecca Stokell, Alice Tector
Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team
Chamari Athapaththu (C), Mithali Ayodhya, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Vishmi Gunaratne, Hansima Karunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangana (WK), Kawya Kavindi, Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Nimasha Meepage, Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva, Chethana Vimukthi
Players to watch out:
Orla Prendergast
Orla Prendergast has been Ireland’s standout performer in recent matches and continues to shoulder responsibilities with both bat and ball. She has experience of 86 matches in T20Is, scoring over 1991 runs with an average of 30.16 and has also picked up 67 wickets. In her last 10 T20 matches, she has scored 324 runs at an impressive average of 40.5 while striking at 131.7. With the ball, she has also claimed 12 wickets, making her Ireland’s most valuable all-round asset heading into this encounter.
Lara McBride
The young spinner has emerged as a key wicket-taking option for Ireland. Across her 19 matches, McBride has picked up 19 wickets while maintaining an economy rate of 6.62. On a Bristol wicket expected to offer some turn later in the innings, she could play a crucial role.
Chamari Athapaththu
Sri Lanka’s captain remains their biggest match-winner. She has amassed 3785 runs and picked up 73 wickets while being the pillar for the Sri-Lankan team. Athapaththu has scored 226 runs in her last 10 T20 matches at an average of 25.1 and a strike rate nearing 120. Her ability to dominate power plays and contribute with the ball makes her the biggest threat to Ireland.
Kavisha Dilhari
One of Sri Lanka’s most consistent all-rounders, Kavisha Dilhari has picked up 70 wickets in 81 T20I appearances while also contributing 694 runs in the middle order. Her control with the ball could be decisive if conditions start favoring spin.
Pitch:
The County Ground, Bristol, is traditionally regarded as a batting-friendly venue with true bounce and quick outfield conditions. Batters who settle early can score freely, especially during the powerplay. However, as the match progresses, the surface tends to slow down slightly, bringing spinners into the game. Teams winning the toss may prefer to bat first, put runs on the board, and apply scoreboard pressure in a must-win situation.
Weather:
The weather for cricket match looks promising, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 27°C. The probability of rain is very low, ensuring uninterrupted play throughout the day. With moderate humidity and a light breeze, it will be an ideal day for an exciting match on the field.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Amy Hunter, Gaby Lewis, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Nilakshika Silva, Christina Coulter Reilly, Chamari Athapaththu, Orla Prendergast, Kavisha Dilhari, Leah Paul, Lara McBride, Malki Madara
Match Details:
Date – June 23, 2026
Time – 7:00 PM IST
Venue – County Ground, Bristol, England
Live Streaming – Star Sports Network & Jio Hotstar
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