Cricket

Sri Lanka's women's cricket team ended their tour of Ireland on a high note, securing an eight-wicket victory in the third and final ODI in Belfast. The win was set up by a dominant bowling performance led by Achini Kulasuriya, who claimed three wickets in the opening overs.Ireland, who had already clinched the series 2-0, were sent into bat after Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu won the toss. Kulasuriya struck with the first two balls of the innings, dismissing Sarah Forbes and Amy Hunter for ducks. Orla Prendergast, the Ireland captain, also fell cheaply to Kulasuriya, leaving the hosts reeling at 10 for 3.Inoshi Priyadharshani and Amy Kanchana chipped in with a wicket apiece, and Ireland were reduced to 28 for 5 in the 15th over. A fightback was led by Leah Paul and Arlene Kelly, who added 36 runs between them. However, Paul was eventually dismissed by Sachini Nisansala for 19, and a flurry of wickets followed.Canning became Athapaththu's first wicket, Kelly the second, and between them Athapaththu and Nisansala finished the innings off. Priyadharshini returned remarkable figures of 10-5-7-1, the second-most miserly ODI spell by a Sri Lanka woman cricketer.In reply, Sri Lanka's openers Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne put on a 32-run stand. Athapaththu then combined with Harshitha Samarawickrama for a 62-run partnership, taking Sri Lanka to 94 with 32 overs remaining.Athapaththu's 48 came off 49 balls and included ten fours. Samarawickrama remained unbeaten on 48, hitting seven fours of her own. Kavisha Dilhari contributed 10 not out as Sri Lanka reached their target in 23.1 overs.The win was a consolation for Sri Lanka, who had lost the first two ODIs and the two-match T20I series 1-1.

Sri Lanka's Women's T20 squad for the upcoming Asia Cup has been announced, with the experienced trio of Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, and Anushka Sanjeewani making their return. The trio was rested for the recent series against the West Indies.The squad boasts a blend of youth and experience, with 16-year-old left-arm wrist spinner Shashini Gimhani being the youngest member. Despite her young age, Gimhani has yet to break into the starting XI. However, 18-year-old Vishmi Gunaratne has already established herself as an opening batter alongside skipper Chamari Athapaththu.Other young players in the squad include spin-bowling allrounder Kavisha Dilhari, seamer Kawya Kavindi, and leg spinner Sachini Nisansala. Nisansala's impressive performance against the West Indies earned her a spot in the squad.Sri Lanka's batting strength lies in the partnership between Athapaththu and Gunaratne. Sanjeewani's inclusion strengthens the lower order, while the middle order features Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, and Dilhari.On the bowling front, Sri Lanka relies heavily on spin, with the veteran duo of Inoshi Priyadarshani and Sugandika Kumari leading the attack. Nisansala, Gimhani, Dilhari, and Athapaththu provide additional spin options. Prabodhani and Kulasuriya bolster the pace attack, along with Ama Kanchana and Kavindi.The squad's balance of youth and experience, combined with its strong batting and spin-heavy bowling attack, makes Sri Lanka a formidable contender in the upcoming Asia Cup.