Maritz, Shilington guide Ireland to an easy win over Sri Lanka

Lara Maritz's three-for and Clare Shillington's unbeaten half-century guide Ireland to a comfortable win over Sri Lanka in their last warm-up match at the Coolidge Cricket Ground, Coolidge, Antigua.

After having won the toss, Ireland chose to field first. Their decision became fruitful when Sri Lanka opener Yasoda Mendis fell for 9. Hasini Perera, along with captain Chamari Athapaththu tried to resurrect the innings, both added 31 runs before the latter got dismissed by Isobel Joyce. Soon, Shashikala Siriwardene followed her after scoring 12 off 18.

Sri Lanka suddenly got reduced to 68/4. Middle order failed miserably as they couldn't build a partnership. Celeste Raack struck twice when she picked up Rebecca Vandort and Eshani Lokusuriyage within few runs. Wickets started falling at regular intervals. Hasini Perera tried her best but the lack of support from other batters ended their innings within 85/10 in the 19th over.

Celesta Raack picked up two wickets and Lara Maritz's three-for ended Sri Lanka's innings within a below-par score.

Chasing 86, Ireland too lost their opener Cecelia Joyce for 2. Though it didn't affect much to Ireland's batting order. Clare Shillington carried her great form from the World T20 Qualifiers and smashed a quickfire 50 off 38. Along with her, Gaby Lewis scored 12 off 19 and captain Laura Delany scored 15 off 19 and Ireland reached the target convincingly with 6.4 overs to spare.

Udeshika Prabodhani provided the first breakthrough to her team while Oshadi Ranasinghe picked up 1 wicket. Sri Lanka will start their World T20 campaign on November 10 against England while Ireland will face Australia on November 11 at Providence Stadium, Guyana.