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Chamari Athapaththu smashed her maiden ICC Women’s T20 World Cup century to steer Sri Lanka to a commanding nine-wicket victory over Ireland at Bristol County Ground, keeping their semifinal aspirations firmly alive. The explosive opener, who famously scored an unbeaten 178 against Australia at this very venue in the 2017 World Cup, reached her ton in just 58 balls. Alongside Imesha Dulani, she stitched a 98-run opening stand, Sri Lanka’s highest in T20 World Cup history, to lay the foundation for a comfortable chase.

Earlier, Ireland skipper Gaby Lewis fought bravely against sweltering conditions, scoring a gritty 59. After winning the toss, Athapaththu put Ireland in to bat, and Sri Lanka struck immediately. Kaushini Nuthyangana ran out Amy Hunter in the first over and later stumped Orla Prendergast for a duck, reducing Ireland to 3 for 2. Rebecca Stokell hit three boundaries before falling for 13, while Lewis and Leah Paul added 66 runs for the fourth wicket. Paul was caught behind for 20, and Lewis eventually fell to Athapaththu for 59 in the 19th over. Late hits from Alice Tector pushed Ireland to 130 for 5.

In reply, Athapaththu tore into the Irish attack, racing to a 30-ball fifty. Dulani contributed 20 before being bowled, but the captain remained unstoppable, launching sixes and boundaries at will. She reached her hundred off 58 deliveries and finished with an unbeaten 106, sealing the chase with 4.5 overs to spare.

Sri Lanka now faces Scotland at Old Trafford on Friday, needing a win and favourable results elsewhere, plus a significant net-run-rate boost, to advance.