KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s cricket team delivered an awe-inspiring performance on Tuesday, overwhelming the West Indies by a staggering 81 runs at the ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
The decisive victory, Sri Lanka’s second consecutive triumph in the tournament, cements their position as Group A frontrunners.
The West Indies, by stark contrast, slumped to their second defeat, leaving their hopes teetering on a precarious must-win match against host nation Malaysia.
Sri Lanka posts a record-breaking total
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Sri Lanka unleashed an explosive batting display, amassing an intimidating 166 for five—their highest-ever total in tournament history. The innings began with a thunderous 48-run partnership in the powerplay, orchestrated by openers Sumudu Nisansala and Sanjana Kavindi.
Nisansala, known for her fearless approach, thrilled fans by launching a mammoth six off West Indies bowler Selena Ross before falling for a well-made 19 in the seventh over. However, her departure only emboldened Sri Lanka’s resolve.
Skipper Manudi Nanayakkara anchored the innings with a composed 37, while Dahami Sanethma, smashing an unbeaten 31 off 25 deliveries, provided a rousing finish. Despite Ross’ commendable effort with the ball, taking 2 for 25, the Caribbean bowlers struggled to contain the rampant Sri Lankan batting.
Windies’ chase derailed by spin masterclass
In their pursuit of 167, the West Indies’ batting line-up began promisingly but crumbled under relentless pressure from Sri Lanka’s bowlers. Left-arm spinner Chamudi Praboda was the star, wreaking havoc with her devastating spell during the powerplay.
The Windies captain, Samara Ramnath, led a valiant fightback with a gutsy 24 off 23 balls, but her dismissal by Aseni Thalagune signaled the beginning of the end. With wickets tumbling at regular intervals, the Caribbean side never found the partnerships needed to mount a serious challenge.
The lower order offered fleeting resistance, with Jahzara Claxton and Kenika Cassar chipping in with 15 and 12 runs respectively, but it was too little, too late. Praboda’s remarkable 3 for 16 sealed the West Indies’ fate as they were bowled out well short of their target.
High stakes await in final group matches
With the win, Sri Lanka has solidified their momentum heading into a pivotal clash against cricketing powerhouse India, a match that will determine their seeding for the Super Six stage. Meanwhile, the West Indies face a do-or-die encounter with Malaysia. Only a victory will keep their World Cup dreams alive.
As the tournament heats up, Sri Lanka’s all-around brilliance and the West Indies’ fight for survival promise more high-octane action in the days ahead.
