Gaby Lewis scored her second half-century in as many T20 World Cup matches in Bristol but the Ireland skipper’s effort was dwarfed by a tour de force from Chamari Athapaththu that sped Sri Lanka to a comprehensive nine-wicket victory.

Opener Athapaththu charged to a superb 58-ball century and her 16th four — she also hit two sixes — took Sri Lanka past Ireland’s total of 130-5 with a massive 4.3 overs to spare.

“She is a world-class player and that was a brilliant knock,” Lewis conceded.

“It was tough after coming so close to beating New Zealand. I hope the girls will learn and come back stronger. The level of skills has gone up and it also makes you hungrier.”

At least Lewis had given her bowlers something to defend after seeing two-thirds of the Big Three dismissed within the first 10 balls of the Ireland innings: Amy Hunter run-out and Orla Prendergast stumped.

A fourth-wicket partnership of 66 with Leah Paul, who made 20, took the Girls in Green close to three figures and a late blast of 28 not out from 21 balls from Alice Tector was impressive.

But it was Lewis who again led from the front and held her side together, hitting eight fours and facing 50 balls before she was bowled for 59.

The Ireland captain’s desire, and at times desperation, to not fly home without at least one victory from the campaign is clear to see: she will get one final chance against the West Indies on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Jai Moondra is hoping to make a belated international debut against his country of birth after being named in Ireland’s squad for the two T20s against India in Belfast at the weekend.

The 29-year-old left-arm seamer was born near Jaipur and moved to Dublin in 2021 to pursue a Master’s Degree in Electronics and Communications — only to find himself part of the Leinster side that won the Irish Senior Cup two years later.

“Playing in the Irish domestic scene is very exciting,” he said. “At the club level, you have competitive teams and winning the Senior Cup was a class feeling because you know how hard it is to win that competition.

“As a left-arm bowler, my angle is my strength. With the new ball, I try to use the swing, hit the pad, hit the stumps, and get a few across the batter. I like to mix up my pace and use variations like slower balls and cutters. I try to see every ball as an opportunity.

“My intention is to not be predictable. I want to be aggressive, put pressure on the batter, and make them uncomfortable.

“While I set goals for myself, I don't get stressed, and I try to enjoy the moment — and that’s what I intend to do with the India series. I know it’s going to be a massive challenge playing against one of the best teams in the world.”