Sri Lanka in thrilling two-run win over Ireland

Sri Lanka pulled off a thrilling two-run win over Ireland in their first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup warm-up match played at Stellenbosch on Monday.

Put into bat first Sri Lanka rode on opening bat Harshitha Samarawickrama’s half-century to post a challenging total of 149-5. Harshitha struck seven fours in her knock of 56 off 46 balls before retiring hurt. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu (27 off 23 balls) and Vishmi Gunaratne (36 off 34 balls) were the others to contribute towards the total.

Sri Lanka had Ireland struggling at 104-7 in the 15th over at one stage, but a gallant knock of 30 off 17 balls (2 fours, 2 sixes) from Arlene Kelly brought them within touching distance of a win.

With four needed off the final over, Ireland managed just one run losing two wickets to be all out for 147 with Kelly being run out of the penultimate ball.

Spinners Oshadi Ranasinghe and Inoka Ranaweera were the pick of the Lankan bowlers with three wickets apiece.

Sri Lanka next play West Indies on Wednesday in another warm-up game at Cape Town.

Scores: Sri Lanka Women 149-5 (20) (Harshitha Samarawickrama 56, Chamari Athapaththu 27, Vishmi Gunaratne 36, Laura Delany 3/20)

Ireland Women 147 (19.5) (Gaby Lewis 38, Laura Delany 21, Arlene Kelly 30, Oshadi Ranasinghe 3/22, Inoka Ranaweera 3/26)