IREW vs SLW 2nd T20I: Player Analysis: Gaby Lewis' century seals ireland's maiden win against Sri Lanka

Ireland Women made history by securing a thrilling 7-run victory over Sri Lanka, leveling the two-match T20I series 1-1 and marking their first-ever win against the Sri Lankan women's team in this format. After winning the toss and opting to bat, Ireland posted a formidable 173/3, thanks to a sensational knock of 119 from just 75 balls by opener Gaby Lewis. Despite the Sri Lankan bowlers' efforts, with Shashini Gimhani and Achini Kulasuriya managing a wicket each, the Irish batters set a challenging target that put the visitors on the back foot.

In response, Sri Lanka faced early setbacks, losing two wickets within the powerplay. However, Harshitha Samarawickrama's explosive 65 off 44 balls, supported by Kavisha Dilhari's resilient unbeaten 51, brought them back into contention. As the match hung in the balance, Ireland's bowlers stepped up, with Orla Prendergast and Freya Sargent claiming crucial wickets, and Ava Canning and Jane Maguire delivering tight overs. In a nail-biting finish, Arlene Kelly defended 16 runs in the final over, securing a landmark victory for Ireland and leveling the series.

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Gaby Lewis' Stellar Performance: How She Conquered Sri Lanka's Bowling Attack

Gaby Lewis's innings against Sri Lanka in the second T20I was a masterclass in pacing and maturity, reflecting her experience in franchise cricket with teams like Northern Superchargers, Barbados Royals, and Southern Brave. Her approach to the innings was methodical, starting cautiously before gradually accelerating, a tactic that speaks to her deep understanding of the game and the conditions.

In the first 15 balls, Lewis played with restraint, scoring just 11 runs at a strike rate of 73.3. This cautious start was crucial, as it allowed her to assess the pitch and the Sri Lankan bowlers without taking undue risks. Her experience in high-pressure environments like The Hundred taught her the value of a steady beginning, especially when setting a foundation for a big score.

As she settled in, Lewis began to open up, scoring 34 runs off the next 15 balls with a strike rate of 113.3. This phase of her innings saw her finding the gaps more effectively, using her feet to counter the spinners and picking up the pace. Her ability to shift gears is a hallmark of a seasoned player, and her time in franchise cricket has clearly honed this skill.

The real acceleration came between the 31st and 45th balls, where Lewis added 28 more runs, taking her tally to 62 with a strike rate of 137.3. By this stage, she was in full control, reading the bowlers' lengths and varying her shots to keep the fielders guessing. This phase was a turning point in her innings, where her aggressive intent became more pronounced, reflecting the confidence she gained from competing against top-level bowlers in The Hundred.

In the final stretch of her innings, from balls 46 to 75, Lewis went into overdrive, scoring 37 runs to reach an unbeaten 119 with a strike rate of 158.6. Her ability to finish strong is a direct result of her franchise cricket experiences, where maintaining intensity in the latter stages of an innings is often the difference between winning and losing. This innings against Sri Lanka was not just about her raw power but also about how she timed her assault, using her experience to guide Ireland to a competitive total.

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