The opening fixture of Group A in the ICC Women’s Rising Nations Trophy 2026 tournament in Ajman witnessed a comprehensive display of dominance as Sri Lanka Women crushed Eire Women by 10 wickets with 42 balls remaining.
Profitable the toss and opting to bat first, Eire Women encountered early hurdles towards a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling assault. Opener Amy Hunter confirmed positive intent with a quick-fire 21 off 16 balls, that includes three boundaries, before falling caught by Malki Madara off the bowling of Sathya Sandeepani with the group score at 25 in 3.2 overs. Her accomplice Gaby Lewis struggled to settle, chipping a catch to wicketkeeper Kaushini Nuthyangana off Chethana Vimukthi for just 4 runs, leaving Eire at 28 for 2 in 4.3 overs.
Lara Maritz attempted to anchor the innings alongside Louise Little, building a gentle platform. Maritz contributed 13 runs from 19 balls before being stumped by Kaushini Nuthyangana off the artful Kavisha Dilhari, breaking the partnership at 53 for 3 in 9.3 overs. Louise Little fought resiliently, top-scoring for her aspect with a affected person 28 off 36 balls with one boundary before being run out by Silva at 86 for 5. In between, skilled campaigner Laura Delany chipped in with 15 runs off 18 deliveries, hitting a boundary before turning into one other stumping sufferer for Dilhari at 84 for 4 in 15.3 overs.
As the innings moved in the direction of the backend, the lower order crumbled under strain. Alana Dalzell managed 1 run before falling to Sandeepani, whereas Abbi Harrison performed an important unbeaten knock of 13 from 11 balls to push the score forward. Fast wickets adopted as Cara Murray fell lbw to Sandeepani for a duck, Jane Maguire was caught by Perera off Vimukthi for 1, and Kia McCartney was stumped by Nuthyangana off Dilhari for 2.
Aimee Maguire remained unbeaten on 1 as Eire Women finished their 20 overs at 105 for 9, losing 9 wickets with extras contributing 6 runs. Sri Lanka’s bowling unit shared the spoils brilliantly, led by Sathya Sandeepani with stellar figures of three for 9 in her 4 overs, and Kavisha Dilhari picking up 3 for 20 in 4 overs. Chethana Vimukthi additionally chipped in with 2 for 26 in 4 overs, whereas Sugandika Kumari (0 for 19) and Malki Madara (0 for 29) maintained tight control over their 4-over spells.
Chasing a modest target of 106 runs, Sri Lanka Women made it seem like a walk in the park, cruising to victory without losing a single wicket in just 13 overs. Openers Vishmi Gunaratne and Hasini Perera put on an exhibition of authoritative strokeplay, stitching together an unbroken match-winning partnership of 110 runs. Vishmi Gunaratne performed a scintillating unbeaten knock of 53 runs from 37 balls, placing six boundaries and a six at a placing price of 143.24.
At the different end, Hasini Perera matched her stroke for stroke, remaining not out on 53 off 41 balls with eight fours and a six, anchoring the chase with absolute composure. Eire Women tried everything in their bowling arsenal to break the partnership, deploying six totally different bowlers, but none might make a breakthrough. Jane Maguire leaked 21 runs in her 2 overs, whereas Aimee Maguire conceded 18 runs across 3 overs.
Louise Little bowled 2 economical overs for 14 runs, and Kia McCartney gave away 15 runs in 2 overs, picking up a wide. Spinner Cara Murray bowled 3 overs conceding 28 runs with a wide, and Lara Maritz bowled a solitary over costing 12 runs as Sri Lanka comfortably crossed the line to seal a memorable 10-wicket victory.
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