Prendergast Stars as Ireland Beat Sri Lanka in Thrilling ODI

First One-Day International, Stormont, Belfast

• Sri Lanka: 260-8 (50 overs): Gunaratne 101, Perera 46; Prendergast 3-25
• Ireland: 261-7 (49.2 overs): Prendergast 122*, Hunter 42; Dilhari 4-54
• Ireland won by three wickets

Orla Prendergast delivered a stunning all-round performance to lead Ireland to a dramatic three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the opening One-Day International at Stormont. Her unbeaten 122, combined with a career-best 3-25 with the ball, proved decisive in a closely contested match.

Sri Lanka, anchored by Vishmi Gunaratne's century (101), posted a challenging total of 260-8. Prendergast’s tight bowling helped to restrict the visitors, preventing a larger score.

Chasing 261, Ireland found themselves at 69-2 when Prendergast came to the crease. She formed a solid partnership with Amy Hunter, who scored 42, before guiding the chase almost single-handedly. Despite a late wobble, with Ireland reduced to 211-7, Prendergast’s composed innings, featuring 10 fours and two sixes, ensured victory with four balls to spare.

The win gives Ireland a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the next games scheduled at the same venue on Sunday and Tuesday. This triumph follows a strong showing in the T20 series, where Gaby Lewis' century helped Ireland secure a draw against Sri Lanka.