IRE-W vs SL-W Womens T20 WC, 23 June 2026- Chamari Athapaththu's Stunning Century Powers Sri Lanka Women defeat Ireland !

Ireland Recover After Early Collapse

Ireland Women suffered a difficult start after losing opener Amy Hunter for a duck in the very first over. The situation worsed when Orla Prendergast was dismissed without scoring, leaving Ireland struggling at 3/2.

Captain Gaby Lewis then led the recovery with a determined 59 off 50 balls, striking eight boundaries and anchoring the innings. Rebecca Stokell contributed 13 runs, while Leah Paul added 20 to stabilize the middle order.

In the final overs, Alice Tector's unbeaten 28 from 21 balls helped Ireland reach a respectable total 130/5 in 20 overs.

Sri Lanka's bowlers shared the wickets, with Mithali Ayodhya, Sugandika Kumari, Chamari Athapaththu, and Nilakshika Silva claiming one wicket each while maintaining excellent control throughout the innings.

Athapaththu Produces a Masterclass

Sri Lanka's chase began positively, with Athapaththu immediately taking control of proceedings. She found support from Imesha Dulani, who scored a patient 20 from 27 deliveries as the pair built a match-winning opening partnership.

After Dulani's dismissal at 98, Athapaththu accelerated further and unleashed a stunning array of attacking strokes around the ground.

The Sri Lankan captain finished unbeaten on a magnificent 106 from just 61 balls, smashing 17 fours and 2 sixes at a strike rate of 173.77. Her innings was one of the finest knocks of the tournament and effectively sealed the result long before the end.

Nilakshika Silva remained unbeaten on 4 as Sri Lanka comfortably crossed the target with 27 balls remaining.

Key Performers
Ireland Women
Gaby Lewis – 59 (50)
Alice Tector – 28* (21)
Leah Paul – 20 (27)
Sri Lanka Women
Chamari Athapaththu – 106* (61)
Imesha Dulani – 20 (27)
Mithali Ayodhya – 1/18 (4 overs)
Match Summary
Ireland Women: 130/5 (20 overs)
Sri Lanka Women: 134/1 (15.3 overs)
Result: Sri Lanka Women won by 9 wickets
Player of the Match: Chamari Athapaththu (106* off 61 balls)
Athapaththu Leads Sri Lanka's Charge

The emphatic victory significantly boosts Sri Lanka Women's hopes in Group 2 and shows the team's growing confidence in the tournament. Chamari Athapaththu's remarkable century will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the standout performances of the Women's T20 World Cup 2026 that's why she claimed the Man of The Match award.

With momentum firmly on their side, Sri Lanka Women now look ahead to their remaining group-stage fixtures with renewed belief, while Ireland Women will need to regroup quickly to keep their campaign alive.