Sri Lanka extended their impressive form in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 with a dominant 81-run victory over West Indies, securing their second straight win in Group A.
Sri Lanka stamp their authority with another convincing win at the #U19WorldCup 💪#SLvWI 📝: https://t.co/rovGiawAJk pic.twitter.com/f9ZF1XWgAj
— ICC (@ICC) January 21, 2025
Sri Lanka’s captain, Manudi Nanayakkara, won the toss and elected to bat first. The decision proved fruitful as Sri Lanka posted a formidable 166/5 from their allotted 20 overs. This total marked their highest-ever score in the history of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, surpassing their previous best of 162, which came in their opening match against Malaysia.
The Sri Lankan innings was anchored by solid partnerships, with openers Sumudu Nisansala and Sanjana Kavindi getting off to a brisk start, adding 48 runs without losing a wicket in the powerplay. Nisansala, in particular, impressed with a big six over midwicket off Selena Ross. However, she was dismissed for 18 in the seventh over, bringing captain Nanayakkara to the crease. Nanayakkara’s steady 37, combined with Kavindi’s 38, helped Sri Lanka maintain the momentum. Dahami Sanethma added a valuable 31 not out from 25 balls, contributing to the team’s strong total.
In reply, West Indies struggled from the outset as they lost wickets regularly. Left-arm spinner Chamudi Praboda was the key to Sri Lanka’s dominance, dismissing the top order with precision. Praboda finished with remarkable figures of 3/16, wreaking havoc on the Windies batting lineup. Aseni Thalagune provided crucial support, removing West Indies’ captain Samara Ramnath for 24, a knock that had been central to their resistance.
The Windies, who had shown promise early on, were all-out for just 85 runs in 19.4 overs. Alongside Praboda’s brilliance, Limasa Thilakaratne’s 2/7 further sealed the Windies’ fate.
With this victory, Sri Lanka continued their unbeaten run in the tournament and now focus on their final Group A match against India on Thursday. Meanwhile, West Indies face a crucial match against hosts Malaysia, needing a win to stay in the hunt for a Super 6 spot.
Scores in Brief
Sri Lanka 166/5 in 20 overs
(Sanjana Kavindi 38, Manudi Nanayakkara 37; Selena Ross 2/25, Jahzara Claxton 1/20)
West Indies 85 all out in 19.4 overs
(Samara Ramnath 24, Jahzara Claxton 15; Chamudi Praboda 3/16, Limasa Thilakaratne 2/7)
Result: Sri Lanka won by 81 runs
With their second win in the bag, Sri Lanka is positioned strongly in the group, while West Indies will need to regroup and bounce back in their next crucial match against Malaysia.
Source: ICC
