Ireland suffer heavy defeat by Sri Lanka in Bristol

Sri Lanka beat Ireland to stay in hunt for semi-finals Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Chamari Athapaththu plays a shot during her excellent innings in BristolByAlvin McCaigBBC Sport NI contributorPublished5 minutes agoWomen's T20 World Cup, Group 2, Bristol Ireland 130-5 (20 overs): Lewis 59, Tector 28*; de Silva 1-12Sri Lanka 131-4 (15.3 overs): Athapaththu 106*, Dulani 20; Prendergast 1-22 Sri Lanka won by nine wicketsScorecard. Tables.Chamari Athapaththu hit a superb unbeaten 106 as Sri Lanka eased to a nine-wicket win over Ireland to keep their World Cup hopes alive. Ireland were reduced to 18-3 in a sun-drenched Bristol before skipper Gaby Lewis (59) and Leah Paul (20) put on a 66-run partnership to help their side to a total of 130-5.Sri Lanka captain Athapaththu raced to her best World Cup score, and the highest so far in the tournament, from just 61 balls, as victory was secured on 134-1 and with 4.3 overs to spare.The Lions, who move up to four points, need to beat Scotland on Friday and hope results elsewhere go their way to secure a top-two spot in Group 2 and a place in the semi-finals.Ireland have now lost all 21 of their World Cup games and the bottom side finish their campaign against West Indies on Saturday.New Zealand knock Scotland out of T20 World CupPublished3 hours agoWho needs what to qualify for Women's T20 World Cup semi-finals?Published3 hours agoWomen's T20 World Cup top run-scorers & wicket-takersPublished1 day agoSri Lanka won the toss and their decision to bowl first looked a good one when they took two wickets with just three runs on the board.Amy Hunter was run out before Orla Prendergast was stumped and Rebecca Stokell was next to go before Lewis and Paul rescued the innings.Lewis starred for the Irish as she made a second straight half-century but Sri Lanka's attack restricted boundaries and left their team needing 131 for victory. It was easily achieved thanks to a memorable knock from Athapaththu,...