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IRE-W Vs SL-W 2nd ODI | Harshitha's Ton Not Enough As Paul And Kelly Power Ireland To Historic Series Win

Ireland Women beat Sri Lanka Women to clinch the series 2-0 (Twitter)Ireland Women beat Sri Lanka Women to clinch the series 2-0 (Twitter)

Brief Scores: Ireland Women: 255/5 (50 overs) [ Leah Paul: 81 (101), Amy Hunter: 66 (71); Achini Kulasuriya: 2/48 (10), Kavisha Dilhari: 2/35 (9)] defeated Sri Lanka Women: 240 all out (49.4 overs) [Harshitha Samarawickrama: 105 (124), Kavisha Dilhari: 53 (71); Arlene Kelly: 3/41 (8), Jane Maguire: 2/33 (8)] by 15 runs.

Ireland Women secured a series victory by defeating Sri Lanka Women by 15 runs in the second ODI at the Civil Service Cricket Club in Belfast. This win gave Ireland a 2-0 lead in the three-match series, building on their narrow three-wicket win in the opening game.

Ireland Bats Strong as Amy Hunter and Leah Paul Anchor the Innings

Ireland Women, after a narrow victory in the opening game, came into the second ODI with their spirits high and the series win in sight. Sri Lanka Women won the toss and invited the hosts to bat first.

Despite an early hiccup that saw Sarah Forbes bowled over for a mere 2 runs by Achini Kulasuriya, the hosts didn't let the initial setback rattle their cage. Kulasuriya, who bowled a marathon spell, also dismissed Coulter Reilly, leaving Ireland teetering at 55/2.

Amy Hunter then took the crease and steadied the ship with a composed 66 off 71 balls, her innings serving as the backbone for Ireland’s total.

The standout performance came from Leah Paul, who scored a brilliant 81 off 101 balls, and Rebecca Stokell, who remained unbeaten on 53 off 61 deliveries.

Together, they knitted a crucial 114-run partnership for the 5th wicket, propelling Ireland to a formidable 255/5. The Sri Lankan bowlers, particularly Kulasuriya (2/48) and Kavisha Dilhari (2/35), tried to stem the flow but the Irish batters held firm.

Sri Lanka Falters as Harshitha Samarawickrama's Century Goes in Vain

Chasing a challenging target, Sri Lanka’s innings began on a shaky note with Vishmi Gunaratne falling early in the fray for 2. The initial jolts saw them struggling at 2 wickets down for 49 after the Powerplay as captain Chamari Athapaththu was also dismissed by Jane Maguire for 22 in the 9th over.

However, Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari rallied splendidly, stringing together a promising partnership of 126 runs. Their efforts appeared to be steering Sri Lanka toward a serene chase until the Irish storm struck.

Dilhari's departure for 53, off the bowling of Freya Sargent, triggered a dramatic collapse. The well-set Samarawickrama, who notched up a valiant 105, was tragically run out in a mix-up that turned the tide irrevocably in Ireland’s favour.

From a comfortable 172/2, Sri Lanka crumbled to 214/9. Nilakshi de Silva's lone battle of 24* was in vain as Sri Lanka folded for 240, falling short by 15 runs.

Arlene Kelly, with figures of 3/41, spearheaded the Irish attack, cutting through the Sri Lankan lineup and ensuring a series win for Ireland.

The final ODI looms on the horizon this Tuesday, but with the series already in their pocket, Ireland will walk onto the field with their heads held high, ready to sweep.