The Women’s Under-19 Tri-Nation Series between Australia U19, England U19, and Sri Lanka U19, comprising 6 T20I matches and 3 ODIs, commenced on 28 March and concluded on 9 April with the last ODI between Sri Lanka and England at the Galle International Cricket Stadium.
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a challenging total of 226 runs after getting all out in 48.4 overs. Sanjana Kavindi and Sumudu Nisansala gave a formidable opening partnership of 63 runs, with both contributing 27 runs each before getting dismissed by Sophia Smale in the 17th over. The team then lost a few wickets in a cluster, but Dewmi Wijerathna’s 21 runs and Manudi Nanayakkara’s 25 contributed to another 54-run partnership. Rashmika Sewwandi’s brilliant knock of 59 runs with nine boundaries helped Sri Lanka reach a competitive total.
Despite breakthroughs from Sophia Smale, Amu Surenkumar, and Charis Pavely, each claiming 2 wickets, they couldn’t restrict Sri Lanka’s batting lineup.
In pursuit of 227 runs for victory, England struggled to build partnerships against Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack. Jodi Grewcock top-scored with 26 runs, but regular wickets kept England under pressure. Amu Surenkumar contributed with 25 runs but Dewmi Wijerathna’s impressive bowling performance, claiming four crucial wickets, combined with Chamodi Munasinghe’s five-wicket haul, ensured England was bowled out for 118 runs in 23.3 overs.
Sri Lanka U19 emerged victorious by 108 runs, dominating both the batting and bowling departments to secure a comprehensive win over England U19.
The Women’s U19 Tri-Nation series saw England dominate the T20 series with three victories, while Australia, who only managed one victory in the T20Is, came back strongly, winning both of their One Dayers, with a 2-wicket victory against England and an 88-run victory over Sri Lanka.
