Sri Lanka, the underdogs heading into the finals of the U19 Tri-Nation T20 Series 2024 defeated Bangladesh by a commendable 36-run margin at the Sheikh Kamal International Cricket Stadium (SKICS) in Coxs Bazar.
Women’s U19 Tri-Nation T20 Cricket Tournament 2024
Final Match | Bangladesh Vs Sri LankaSri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first
For more details: https://t.co/pLw7WfTR48 #BCB | #Cricket | #U19T20 pic.twitter.com/0A5ZiEtFOr
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) February 2, 2024
Sri Lanka won the toss and opting to bat first posted a mammoth total of 148/3 in their 20 overs. The openers Nethmi Poorna Senarathna and Dewmi Vihanga Wijerathne gave the most ideal start to the innings. Striking lusty boundaries and coupling them with some delightful boundaries, the duo ensured that a big total was on the cards undoubtedly.
Stitching a stellar 104-run partnership, the duo would have ideally wanted to post a bigger total but it was Nishita Akter Nishi of Bangladesh who sought the first breakthrough by getting rid of Dewmi Vihanga for 49. Vishmi Gunarathna was the new batter who joined Nethmi Senarathna and before she could get going, Rabeya got the better of her in a menacing delivery through an LBW.
With skipper Manudi Dulansa Nanayakkara and Rashmi Nethranjali falling for similar scores of 7, the opener Nethmi Senarathna was still unbeaten on a crucial knock of 66 off 57 which meant Sri Lanka posted 148 at a run rate of 7.4 in their 20 overs quota. Bangladesh had Rabeya, Nishita Akter Nishi and Jannatul Maoua scalp a wicket each in what was a decent bowling outing.
Women’s U19 Tri-Nation T20 Cricket Tournament 2024
Final Match | Bangladesh Women U19 VS Sri Lanka Women U19Bangladesh need 149 runs to win
Details: https://t.co/pLw7WfTR48#BCB | #Cricket | #U19T20 pic.twitter.com/Mm0L5I7IuL
— Bangladesh Cricket (@BCBtigers) February 2, 2024
However, their batting effort was forgettable as the openers Sumaiya Akter Suborna and Mst Eva could not get going from ball 1 and it reflected in their dismissals. Dewmi Vihanga got the better of the duo for scores of 2 and 1 respectively which was a big setback for Bangladesh. With Habiba Islam Pinky and Sumaiya Akter dismissed for scores of 8 and 10 each, Bangladesh’s prospects of chasing down the total only seemed far from impossible.
The new batters, Rabeya and Unnoti Akter infused some confidence in the run-chase with some firepower and quick batting. Their partnership calmed nerves but, the asking rate pressure was going to be tough to tackle. With Yasnthi Herath getting Unnoti Akter for 14, and Rabeya for a well-played 31, Bangladesh was down six crucial batters.
Even as Afia Asima Era and Arbin Tani scored wily knocks of 11 and 15, it was not enough as Bangladesh slipped to 112/8 in 20 overs, unable to chase down the target. This meant Sri Lanka pulled off a massive 36-run win in the finals of the U19 Tri-Nation T20 Series 2024 courtesy of the bowling exploits of Dewmi Vihanga, who scalped three wickets with Rismi Sanjana and Yasanthi Herath pocketing two wickets apiece, setting up this memorable win and title glory.
Sri Lanka's #YoungLionesses Roar!
Congratulations to our incredible Sri Lanka Women's U19 Team for clinching the Tri-Series title in Bangladesh! 🏆👏
They fought hard and defeated the hosts by a convincing 36 runs in the thrilling final.🎉#SLU19 pic.twitter.com/sh8YuQ9S4u
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) February 2, 2024
Brief Scores: Sri Lanka U19 vs Bangladesh U19
Sri Lanka- 148/3 in 20 overs (Nethmi Senarathna 66, Dewmi Vihanga 49; Rabeya 1/24, Jannatul Maoua 1/10) defeated Bangladesh- 112/8 in 20 overs (Rabeya 31, Unnoti Akter 14; Dewmi Vihanga 3/13, Yasanthi Herath 2/16, Rismi Sanjana 2/23) by 36 runs.
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