Orla Prendergast’s sensational unbeaten 122 and career-best bowling figures steered Ireland to a dramatic three-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the opening one-day international at Stormont.
Prendergast’s 3-25 helped restrict the tourists to 260-8 after Vishmi Gunaratne’s 101 had looked set to contribute to a much bigger runs tally.
The Irish were 69-2 when all-rounder Prendergast came to the crease.
She helped put on 47 runs for the third wicket before Amy Hunter departed for 42.
Prendergast stayed in the middle thereafter as she hit 10 fours and two sixes in her 107-ball knock.
Ireland appeared to be losing the initiative as Rebecca Stokell and Arlene Kelly departed within three balls to leave them on 211-7 after 43.4 overs.
But number nine batter Jane Maguire was able to stay with Prendergast for the remaining 5.4 overs despite contributing only seven runs as the all-rounder cut loose while on strike.
The hosts won with four balls to spare to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, which continues at the Belfast venue on Sunday and Tuesday.
Ireland’s victory came after Gaby Lewis’ century helped them draw the T20 series in Dublin earlier this week.
Scores:
Sri Lanka 260-8 (50 overs): Vishmi Gunaratne 101, Perera 46; Prendergast 3-25
Ireland 261-7 (49.2 overs): Prendergast 122 not out, Hunter 42; Dilhari 4-54
