News
Ireland defeat Sri Lanka by 15 runs despite Harshitha’s ton
Sri Lanka Women’s tour of Ireland (Second ODI)
Ireland Women’s secured a commanding 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series after narrowly defeating Sri Lanka Women’s by 15 runs in the second ODI held at Civil Service Cricket club, Belfast.
Put to bat first, Ireland accumulated a total of 255 runs in their allotted 50 overs, bolstered by half-centuries from Leah Paul, Amy Hunter, and Rebecca Stokell. In response, Sri Lanka experienced a middle-order collapse, ultimately finishing 15 runs short of the target, despite a remarkable century from Harshitha Samarawickarama.
The host experienced an early set back when they loss Sarah Forbes in the 6th over.
Following the early break through Amy Hunter and ODI debutant Christina Coulter Reilly stabilized the innings with a 45-run partnership. Hunter showcased her skills with 8 boundaries before being dismissed by Chamari Athapaththu for 66 runs.
The breakthrough put host in some pressure where they lost thier third wicket of the skipper Orla Prendergast (9) to slow things around.
After the quick dismissals of Coulter Reilly and Prendergast, Ireland needed to regroup, which was achieved through the efforts of Leah Paul and Rebecca Stokell.
The duo provided a solid foundation, entertaining the audience with a blend of cautious batting and aggressive boundary hitting, establishing a record-breaking fifth-wicket partnership for Ireland Women.
Leah Paul contributed largely with a match defining 81 runs while Rebecca Stokell continued to build on the innings, finishing with an unbeaten 53 to help Ireland reach 255-5 at the end of their allotted 50 overs.
In reply, although the visitors experienced a difficult beginning with the loss of both openers, Chamari Athapatthu (22) and Vishmi Gunaratne (2), the Asian Women’s champions were well on their way to securing a victory. They established a significant partnership of 126 runs between Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari, raising their total to 172 for 2 after 30.2 overs.
In the process, Harshitha also achieved her first century, joining the ranks of Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne (who had previously scored a century in an ODI) making her the third Sri Lankan batter to accomplish this feat in women’s ODIs.
Despite a promising position for Sri Lanka, they encountered a brief collapse when the well-set Dilhari was dismissed for 53 by spinner Freya Sargent, followed by Anushka Sanjeewani, who was dismissed without scoring, placing Sri Lanka in a precarious situation.
However, Sri Lanka managed to stabilize their innings, reaching 210-4 before Harshitha Samarawickrama was run out for 105 by Sarah Forbes, marking a crucial turning point in the match.
As the visiting team began to struggle, they lost four additional wickets for a mere four runs, extinguishing their hopes of victory.
Although Nilakshi de Silva and Udeshika Prabodhani contributed 26 runs for the final wicket, it proved insufficient for the islanders to secure a win, allowing Ireland to claim the series victory.
Kelly concluded the match with commendable bowling figures of 3-41.
The two teams are set to face each other one final time in the third and concluding ODI on Tuesday at the same venue.
Cricket
Sanga’s Royals win the last-over thriller to register back-to-back victory
Rajasthan Royals held their nerve in a high-scoring contest to edge past Gujarat Titans by six runs, successfully defending 210 in a last-over thriller.
Batting first, Rajasthan posted an imposing 210/6, powered by a superb knock from Dhruv Jurel, who smashed 75 off 42 balls. He was well supported by Yashasvi Jaiswal (55 off 36) and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (31 off 18), as the Royals maintained a strong run rate throughout the innings. Late cameos from Shimron Hetmyer and others ensured a challenging total. For Gujarat, Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets.
In reply, Gujarat Titans mounted a spirited chase led by Sai Sudharsan, who scored a fluent 73 off 44 balls. Contributions from Jos Buttler and Rashid Khan kept the chase alive, while a late flourish from Rabada brought the equation down to the wire.
However, the turning point came through Ravi Bishnoi, who delivered a match-winning spell of 4/41, derailing the middle order at a crucial stage. Despite needing just a handful in the final over, Rajasthan held their composure to restrict Gujarat to 204/8.
Football
St. Mary’s Crown Cup Champions
A dramatic penalty shootout decided the fate of the Cup final as St. Mary’s SC overcame Saunders SC 3-1 after a 1-1 deadlock under lights at the Race Course grounds on Saturday.
The match sprang to life in the opening minutes, with St. Mary’s drawing first blood. Danjuma Gumbari struck in the third minute, finishing off a swift attacking move to hand his side an early lead.
Saunders SC wasted no time in responding, leveling the score just two minutes later. Clauvice Franck found the net in the fifth minute, taking advantage of space in the box to restore parity and set up an evenly balanced contest.
Following the early exchange, both teams settled into a competitive rhythm, battling for control in midfield while probing for openings. St. Mary’s looked composed in possession, whereas Saunders relied on quick counterattacks to trouble the opposition defense. Despite their efforts, neither side managed to break the deadlock during regulation time.
With the scoreline unchanged, the final moved into a penalty shootout. St. Mary’s SC kept their composure from the spot, with Danjuma Gumbari, S. Aarinkan, and John Lawani all converting successfully.
Saunders SC, however, faltered under pressure. Mohamed Zaid was the only scorer for his side, while two other attempts missed the target, ultimately sealing their defeat.
Cricket
Pathum, Rizvi Shine as Delhi Capitals Outshine Mumbai Indians
Delhi Capitals secured their second win of the IPL 2026 with a commanding 6-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium today. The highlight of the chase was the brilliant partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Sameer Rizvi, who tore through the Mumbai bowling attack with fearless stroke play.
Electing to bat first, Mumbai Indians managed a modest total of 162/6 in their 20 overs. Suryakumar Yadav top-scored with a fluent 51 off 36 balls, while Rohit Sharma contributed a brisk 35. Early wickets fell to Delhi bowlers, with Mukesh Kumar claiming two key scalps and Lungi Ngidi, Axar Patel, and Vipraj Nigam chipping in with one each. Extras also played a role, adding five to the total.
In response, Delhi Capitals faced early setbacks as KL Rahul and Nitish Rana fell cheaply. However, Pathum Nissanka counter-attacked with 44 off 30 deliveries, forming a match-turning 78-run partnership with Sameer Rizvi, who finished unbeaten on 90 from 51 balls with seven towering sixes. David Miller provided late support, ensuring Delhi chased down the target in 18.1 overs.
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