Ireland implode despite Metcalfe heroics

CIARA METCALFE claimed 4 for 15 in a losing cause as Ireland Women threw away a great opportunity to defeat Sri Lanka in their second game in the T20 World Cup.

The Pembroke leg-spinner had the Sri Lankans in complete disarray. as five wickets tumbled for 14 runs after Chamara Attapatau's early onslaught saw them reach 45 without loss.

Eshani Lokusuriyage (35*) and Dilani Mandala (32) rescued their innings with a mature 6th wicket partnership of 49 in 48 balls as they finished their innings on 129 for 7 - a target well within the Irish capabilities.

Clare Shillington (1) and Cath Dalton (5) both fell early in the Irish reply, but a breezy 29 from Cecelia Joyce - which contained four boundaries got the Irish run chase back on track.

A fourth wicket stand of 47 from just 40 deliveries between skipper Isobel Joyce (24) and Laura Delany (29) put the Irish very much in the ascendancy at 87 for 3, with just 33 needed from the last five overs.

However, a combination of two run outs and Sugandika Kumari claiming 3 for 15 saw the Irish crumble under pressure, faltering to a devastating 14 run reverse.

Ciara Metcalfe who claimed a consolation Player of the Match accolade said she was delighted with her own performance but was disappointed by the loss.

"Look, I am obviously happy with the way I bowled, but the defeat has hurt us," she said. "We thought we should have won today. But we will take it in our stride and continue to improve."