Australia Under-19 Women and Sri Lanka Under-19 Women are competing in a five-match T20 series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. In the first match, Sri Lanka emerged victorious, defeating their counterparts by 25 runs.
Australian captain Samara Dulvinn won the toss and elected to bowl first. Sri Lankan openers, Sanjana Kavindi and Vimoksha Balasuriya, laid a strong foundation with a 88-run partnership, keeping the bowlers under constant pressure. Sanjana was the standout performer with the bat for the hosts, scoring a fluent 62 runs off 46 balls, including six fours and three maximums.
Her partner Vimoksha had the best seat in the house to witness destruction and kept the scoreboard ticking at a decent run-rate. Skipper Manudi Nanayakkara, who came to bat at no.3, scored a quick-fire 28* from 19 balls, helping her team post a competitive total of 133 for 3 in the allotted 20-overs quota.
For Australia, slow left-arm orthodox bowler Ava Drury was the pick of the bowlers. She picked up 2 wickets while conceding just 23 runs in her four-over spell. 7 bowlers were deployed by the visiting captain, with leg-spinner Ayaka Kato-Stafford chipping in with 1 wicket, though her economy rate was as high as 11.33 in her three overs.
Chasing a total of 134 runs, Australia struggled from the start. Opener Indira Panelli was dismissed early, stumped for just 1 run in the second over by Chamodi Praboda. Captain Samara Dulvin also fell cheaply, scoring 11, leaving Australia in need of a stabilising partnership.
Shiloh Julien and Emily Powell attempted to steady the innings with a 61-run stand, but the required run rate remained high, keeping pressure intact during the run chase. Australia’s innings folded at 108 for 8 in their 20 overs, falling short by 25 runs. Chamodi Praboda was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, claiming 3 wickets for just 16 runs from her 4 overs. Aseni Thalagune also made an impact, taking 3 wickets while giving away 25 runs.
Sanjana Kavindi’s brilliant innings helped her bag the Player of the Match award. A win in the inaugural match gives Sri Lanka early momentum in the series, while on the other hand, visitors Australia will look to bounce back in the second T20 that will be played on 21 September.
