The India U-19 Women’s National Cricket Team delivered a commanding performance to secure a massive 60-run victory over Sri Lanka in the ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup. The match, held at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday, saw India emerge as Group A toppers with an unbeaten record in three matches. The all-round performance from the Indian team ensured their entry into the Super Six stage with authority.
Trisha’s Knock Anchors India’s Innings
On a tricky pitch offering assistance to bowlers, opener Gongadi Trisha’s composed 44-ball 49 proved to be the backbone of India’s innings. Her mature knock, studded with five boundaries and a six, held the Indian batting together as wickets fell around her. Trisha’s clever shot placement and occasional aggression, including a brilliant six over long-off against part-timer Manudi Nanayakkara, were crucial in guiding India to a competitive total of 118 for nine in 20 overs.
Despite the challenging conditions, late contributions from Joshitha V.J. (14 off 9 balls) and Mithila Vinod (16 off 10 balls) added crucial runs in the final overs, ensuring India had a defendable score. The disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack, led by Rashmika Sewwandi and skipper Manudi Nanayakkara, kept the Indian batting lineup on its toes, but Trisha’s calm approach held the innings together.
Pace Duo Wrecks Sri Lanka’s Top Order
India’s bowling unit, led by pacers Joshitha V.J. and Shabnam Md Shakil, made early inroads into the Sri Lankan batting lineup. The new-ball pair delivered a fiery opening spell, dismantling the Lankan top-order and reducing them to 9 for four within 3.2 overs. The pressure intensified when skipper Manudi Nanayakkara was run out in the fourth over, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 12 for five.
Shabnam and Joshitha’s accuracy and swing troubled the batters, setting the tone for a dominant bowling performance. The early breakthroughs left the Lankan side in tatters, making it an uphill battle for them to recover.
Spin Quartet Completes the Job
Once the pacers had done their damage, India’s spinners took over to complete the demolition. Left-arm orthodox spinner Parunika Sisodia emerged as the standout bowler among the spinners, picking up two wickets for just seven runs. Sisodia’s variations and accuracy ensured Sri Lanka’s lower order had no breathing room. Ayushi Shukla and Vaishnavi Sharma, who had claimed a remarkable five-wicket haul against Malaysia in the previous match, further tightened the screws on the opposition.
Rashmika Sewwandi showed some resistance with a 12-ball 15, hitting two boundaries, but her dismissal while attempting a risky shot against Sisodia sealed Sri Lanka’s fate. No other batter managed to reach double digits, underscoring the Indian bowlers’ dominance.
Sri Lanka eventually limped to 58 for nine in their 20 overs, with India’s bowlers delivering a clinical performance to secure a resounding win.
Player of the Match: Gongadi Trisha
Gongadi Trisha’s exceptional knock earned her the Player of the Match award. On a pitch where most batters struggled, Trisha’s ability to rotate the strike, find gaps, and maintain composure stood out. Her innings provided the foundation for India’s total and proved to be the difference in a low-scoring encounter.
India’s Perfect Group Stage Performance
India’s victory against Sri Lanka capped off a flawless group stage campaign. They finished as Group A toppers with three wins from three matches, showcasing their all-round strength in both batting and bowling. The defending champions have looked in formidable form, with key players stepping up in crucial moments.
Sri Lanka’s Struggles
For Sri Lanka, the loss highlighted their struggles with both bat and ball. Despite a decent bowling effort to restrict India to 118, their batting lineup failed to rise to the occasion. The lack of partnerships and an inability to counter India’s disciplined bowling attack proved to be their undoing.
What’s Next?
With this victory, India advances to the Super Six stage of the tournament. As defending champions, they remain strong contenders for the title. The team’s depth in both departments and the ability of key players to deliver under pressure make them a formidable opponent for any side.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will need to regroup and address their batting vulnerabilities. While their bowling has shown promise, the team must find ways to build partnerships and handle quality bowling attacks if they are to make progress in future competitions.
Match Summary
- India Women U-19: 118/9 in 20 overs
- Gongadi Trisha: 49 (44 balls, 5×4, 1×6)
- Mithila Vinod: 16 (10 balls)
- Rashmika Sewwandi: 2/19
- Sri Lanka Women U-19: 58/9 in 20 overs
- Rashmika Sewwandi: 15 (12 balls, 2×4)
- Parunika Sisodia: 2/7
- Shabnam Md Shakil: 1/12
Result: India Women U-19 beat Sri Lanka Women U-19 by 60 runs.
India’s Playing XI
G Kamalini (wk), Gongadi Trisha, Sanika Chalke, Niki Prasad (c), Mithila Vinod, Bhavika Ahire, Aayushi Shukla, Joshitha V.J., Parunika Sisodia, Shabnam Md Shakil, Vaishnavi Sharma.
Sri Lanka’s Playing XI
Sanjana Kavindi, Sumudu Nisansala (wk), Dahami Sanethma, Manudi Nanayakkara (c), Hiruni Kumari, Rashmika Sewwandi, Shashini Gimhani, Limansa Thilakaratne, Pramudi Methsara, Aseni Thalagune, Chamudi Praboda.
India’s comprehensive performance against Sri Lanka reaffirms their status as one of the top teams in the ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on whether they can maintain their winning streak and retain their title.
