Sri Lanka U19 Women made a strong statement in the opening encounter of the five-match T20 series, registering a clinical victory against Australia U19 Women at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium.
After being put into bat, the hosts posted a competitive 133 for 3 in their allotted 20 overs. Openers Sanjana Kavindi and Vimoksha Balasuriya laid a solid foundation with a partnership of 88 runs for the first wicket. Kavindi was the star with the bat, compiling a brilliant 62 runs off 46 deliveries, laced with 6 fours and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 134.78.
Balasuriya played a steady hand with 21 runs, while skipper Manudi Nanayakkara provided the perfect finish to the innings. Her unbeaten cameo of 28 runs off just 19 balls, including a four and two sixes at a strike rate of 147.36, ensured Sri Lanka ended on a high.
For the visitors, Ava Drury was the most effective bowler, picking up 2 wickets for 23 runs in her 4-over spell.
In response, Australia U19 Women struggled to build partnerships and managed only 108 runs for 8 wickets at the end of their 20 overs. The Sri Lankan bowlers kept things tight throughout the innings, not allowing the Aussies to accelerate.
Chamodi Praboda and Aseni Thalagune led the attack with three wickets apiece, dismantling the Australian batting lineup and sealing a 25-run win for the home side.
With this victory, Sri Lanka U19 Women take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series, setting the tone for an exciting contest ahead.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka U19 Women – 133/3 (20) Sanjana Kavindi 62, Manudi Nanayakkara 28*, Vimoksha Balasuriya 21, Ava Drury 2/23
Australia U19 Women – 108/8 (20) Emily Powell 39, Shiloh Julien 28, Chamodi Praboda 3/16, Aseni Thalagune 3/25
Result – Sri Lanka U19 Women won by 25 runs
