Sri Lanka secured a consolation win in the 3rd and final ODI of their tour of Ireland, where they played a limited-overs series that commenced on 11th August with a two-match T20I series, followed by a three-match ODI series. They won the third ODI by eight wickets, chasing a target of 123. Fans can scroll down below for the match highlights.
The visitors elected to bowl first, and thanks to Achini Kulasuriya’s strong bowling performance, the Islanders got off to a good start. Ireland was bowled out for a total of 122, and Sri Lanka comfortably chased down the target to avoid a whitewash in the three-match ODI series.
Highlights of the match:
1) Chamari Athapaththu 3/15 & 48 (Sri Lanka):
The Lankan skipper’s all-around effort helped her side clinch victory in the third ODI. She initially shone with the ball, scalping three wickets. Her first wicket came in the form of Ava Canning, followed by Arlene Kelly, who was Ireland’s top scorer with 35. She also dismissed Freya Sargent, which was the final breakthrough for her side, finishing with figures of 3/15. With the bat, she scored a vital 48 runs for her team in their chase of 123. For her all-round performance, she was rewarded with the Player of the Match award.
2) Arlene Kelly 35 (Ireland) – {Player of the Series}:
The Irish all-rounder was the top scorer for her side in the third ODI. She came into bat when Ireland was crumbling at 28/5. The right-handed batter scored 35 runs, including six boundaries, helping her side post a total of 122, albeit in a losing cause. Arlene Kelly was awarded the Player of the Series for her all-round performance, having scalped five wickets in the three-match ODI series and scored 48 runs with the bat.
3) Achini Kulasuriya 3/35 (Sri Lanka):
The Lankan pacer put in a top-notch performance for her side against Ireland in the third ODI. She grabbed a wicket on the first ball of the innings, dismissing Sarah Forbes, followed by another wicket on the next ball, dismissing Amy Hunter. In the fifth over, she dismissed Orla Prendergast for 3, putting the home side on the back foot. She finished with figures of 3/35 (9) playing a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s win in the third ODI.
4) Harshita Samarawickrama 48* (Sri Lanka):
Harshita ended the limited-overs series against Ireland on a high note, scoring an unbeaten 48 in the third ODI. Coming into bat at number three, she scored 48 off 56 balls, including seven boundaries. Her innings helped the visitors chase down the total of 123 with ease. She was the top scorer in the three-match ODI series with 172 runs, including a century.