The second T20 match between Sri Lanka Women Under-19 and Australia Women Under-19 was played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, and it turned out to be another strong day for the home side who won the match by 29 runs.
Australia won the toss and decided to bowl first. Sri Lanka’s innings began with some promise as Sanjana Kalindi, the star of the first match, once again got going. She scored 24 runs from just 19 balls, keeping the scoreboard busy. However, Australia’s left-arm spinner Ava Drury struck early, removing both openers and putting the pressure back on Sri Lanka.
Captain Manudi Nanayakkara tried to steady the innings with 14 off 15 balls, while Shashini Gimhani chipped in with a patient 10. The middle order saw some positive intent from wicketkeeper Nethagi Isuranjali, who played a quick 21 off 15 balls, hitting four boundaries. Rashmi Nethranjali then added important late runs, scoring 24 from 17 balls. With these contributions, Sri Lanka reached 138 for 9 in their 20 overs. Australia used as many as eight bowlers in the innings. Drury was the standout, picking up 3 wickets for 24 runs in her full quota of four overs. Lucy Finn also made an impact with 2 wickets, though she gave away 30 runs from three overs at an expensive economy rate.
In reply during the second innings, Australia never really got control of the chase. They lost their first wicket when the score was just 27. Captain Samara Dulvin tried to build the innings with a steady 22 runs off 22 balls, while Emily Powell added 15 from 15 balls. But once they were dismissed, the rest of the batting line-up failed to lift the scoring rate. The lower middle order could not handle the Sri Lankan attack, and the chase slipped further away. Sri Lanka’s bowlers kept things tight and disciplined. Aseni Thalagune was very effective, taking 2 wickets for just 15 runs in her three overs. Shashini Gimhani also impressed, picking up 2 wickets of her own. The rest of the attack kept the runs in check, and Australia ended their innings on 109 for 9 after 20 overs. They fell 29 runs short of the target.
With this win, Sri Lanka now lead the five-match series 2-0. Australia will need to regroup quickly as the two teams meet again on Wednesday, 24 September, for the third T20.
