In a remarkable display of batting prowess, Irish cricketer Gaby Lewis etched her name in the history books by becoming one of the few women to score multiple centuries in T20 International (T20I) cricket. The feat was achieved during Ireland’s commanding victory against Sri Lanka in Dublin, where Lewis played a match-winning innings to secure a much-needed win for her team.
A Record-Breaking Innings
Gaby Lewis, already a prominent figure in Irish cricket, elevated her status further with a sensational knock of 119 runs off just 75 balls. Her innings was the backbone of Ireland’s total of 173/3 in their 20 overs. Lewis showcased an array of powerful strokes, punctuated with 15 boundaries and 4 sixes, dismantling the Sri Lankan bowling attack.
This century marks Lewis’ second in T20I cricket, placing her among an elite group of women cricketers who have achieved this milestone. Her first century came in 2021 during the ICC World Cup European Qualifiers against Germany. With this latest achievement, Lewis joins the ranks of other renowned players such as West Indies’ Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin, Australia’s Meg Lanning and Beth Mooney, and England’s Danielle Wyatt, who have all scored two T20I centuries.
Ireland’s First Win Over Sri Lanka
The significance of Lewis’ century was amplified as it led Ireland to their first-ever win over Sri Lanka in women’s cricket. Despite valiant efforts from Sri Lankan batters Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari, who both scored half-centuries, the visitors fell short of the target by 14 runs, managing 159/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Sri Lanka’s chase was stymied by a disciplined Irish bowling performance, with Arlene Kelly delivering a match-winning final over to seal the victory. Kelly’s composed bowling under pressure ensured that Ireland leveled the T20I series at 1-1, setting up an exciting decider.
Lewis Joins an Elite Club
Gaby Lewis’ entry into the exclusive club of players with multiple T20I centuries is a testament to her consistency and ability to perform on the big stage. Among the players with multiple centuries, only Sri Lanka’s Chamari Athapaththu and Tanzania’s Fatuma Kibasu have managed to score three T20I hundreds, highlighting the rarity and difficulty of achieving such a feat.
The list of players with two T20I centuries includes some of the biggest names in women’s cricket, and Lewis’ inclusion underscores her growing stature in the international game. This achievement not only cements her legacy but also brings attention to the rising standards of Irish women’s cricket.
Looking Ahead
With the T20I series now leveled, Ireland and Sri Lanka will turn their attention to the upcoming One Day International (ODI) series, which promises to be equally competitive. The ODI series will be crucial for both teams as they continue to build momentum in the lead-up to future international tournaments.
For Gaby Lewis, this latest milestone is another step in what has already been a remarkable career. As one of Ireland’s key players, she will undoubtedly be looking to carry her form into the ODI series and beyond, inspiring her team to further successes on the international stage.
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