Chamari Turns Back the Clock with Record Century as Sri Lanka Crush Ireland

Chamari Athapaththu produced a captain’s masterclass to revive Sri Lanka’s Women’s T20 World Cup campaign, smashing a breathtaking unbeaten century to guide her side to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Ireland.Under pressure after taking responsibility for Sri Lanka’s disappointing performances earlier in the tournament, Athapaththu responded in spectacular fashion, delivering one of the finest innings of the competition. The experienced left-hander powered her way to an unbeaten 106 off just 55 balls, becoming the first Sri Lankan woman to score a century in a Women’s T20 World Cup match.Her sensational knock, decorated with 17 fours and two sixes, was also the highest individual score of the tournament, as she single-handedly dismantled the Irish bowling attack at the Bristol County Ground.Chasing a modest target of 131, Sri Lanka showed complete control from the outset. Athapaththu attacked from the first over and never allowed Ireland to build pressure, reaching the target with 27 balls to spare as Sri Lanka finished on 134 for one in just 15.3 overs.The victory kept Sri Lanka’s slim semi-final hopes alive while improving their net run rate significantly after a difficult start to the tournament.Earlier, Sri Lanka’s bowlers produced a disciplined performance after Athapaththu won the toss and elected to field. Ireland struggled early, slipping to 19 for three before captain Gaby Lewis and Leah Paul rebuilt the innings with a 66-run partnership.Lewis continued her fine form with a second consecutive half-century, top scoring with 59, while Alice Tector provided late acceleration with an unbeaten 28 off 21 deliveries. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained excellent control to restrict Ireland to 130 for five.Mithali Ayodhya, Sugandika Kumari, Nilakshika Silva and Athapaththu claimed a wicket each, but it was Sri Lanka’s collective bowling effort that kept Ireland under pressure throughout the innings.Needing a strong response after their narrow defeat against the West Indies, Sri Lanka found their inspiration through their captain. Athapaththu remained unbeaten until the end, fittingly sealing victory with a classy cover drive for four.