Gunaratne’s maiden WODI century in vain as Ireland take 1-0 series lead

Sri Lanka opener Vishmi Gunaratne batting against Ireland during her maiden WODI century	Orla Prendergast played match-winning innings of 122* for Ireland

Vishmi Gunaratne’s maiden WODI hundred proved in vain when Ireland powered by a brilliant 122* off 111 balls (10 fours, 2 sixes) by Orla Prendergast beat Sri Lanka by three wickets with four balls to spare in the first WODI played at Belfast yesterday.

Ireland chased down Sri Lanka’s total of 260-8 with Prendergast playing the pivotal role in Ireland’s win which gave them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Spinner Kavisha Dilhari took 4/54, threatening to run through the Irish batting, but could not get past Prendergast.

Earlier Sri Lanka invited to bat first recovered from losing their Captain Chamari Athapaththu for a golden duck to post a challenging 260-8.

Gunaratne forged a 122-run stand with Hasini Perera (46) to enable Sri Lanka get to the total. Gunaratne hit 9 fours and 3 sixes in her 98-ball knock of 101.

Prendergast with three wickets to go with her century was Player of the Match.

The second WODI will take place on Sunday at the same venue.

Scores: Sri Lanka Women 260-8 (50) (Vishmi Gunaratne 101, Hasini Perera 46, Harshitha Samarawickrama 19, Orla Prendergast 3/25, Alana Dalzell 2/37, Arlene Kelly 2/42)

Ireland Women 261-7 (49.2) (Sarah Forbes 30, Amy Hunter 42, Orla Prendergast 122*, Kavisha Dilhari 4/54)