![Sri Lanka U19 Nethmi Senarathne outclassed England with a stellar half century [Image: Getty]](https://www.womenscricinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/16-3-4.jpg "Nethmi Senarathne outclassed England with a stellar half century [Image: Getty]")
In a thrilling encounter at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota, Sri Lanka U19 clashed with England in the U19 Tri Series and defeated them romping to their second straight victory in the tournament.
Sri Lanka Women Under-19s won the toss and elected to bat first, setting the stage for an intense battle.
Sri Lanka’s innings began with a mix of caution and aggression, as openers Dewmi Vihanga and Sanjana Kavindi aimed to provide a solid start. However, the English bowlers struck early, with Alexa Stonehouse claiming the wicket of Vihanga for 11 runs. Sanjana Kavindi followed suit, falling to Ava Lee after contributing 8 runs to the scoreboard.
Nethmi Senarathne then took charge of the innings, showcasing her batting prowess with a well-constructed half-century. Her innings of 51 runs off 48 deliveries, including seven boundaries, anchored the Sri Lankan innings. However, wickets continued to fall at regular intervals, with Ava Lee wreaking havoc with her four-wicket haul.
Despite contributions from Manudi Nanayakkara (30 runs) and a late flourish from Hiruni Hansika (6 not out off 3 balls), Sri Lanka managed to post a competitive total of 128/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
Innings break: Sri Lanka U19s post 128/7. Nethmi Poorna 51.
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#u19triseries #SLvENG #SriLankaU19 pic.twitter.com/euhkLQJL9d
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) March 30, 2024
Chasing 129 for victory, England got off to a decent start with Davina Perrin and Erin Thomas providing a solid foundation. However, the Sri Lankan bowlers struck back, with Shashini Gimhani and Sanjana Kavindi picking up crucial wickets at regular intervals.
Abi Norgrove held the innings together with a gritty knock of 31 runs, but the English batters struggled to accelerate the scoring rate against the disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack. Despite contributions from Charis Pavely (20 runs) and Sophia Smale (12 not out off 10 balls), England fell short of the target by just 6 runs.
Shashini Gimhani and Hiruni Hansika starred with the ball for Sri Lanka, claiming two wickets each and putting the brakes on the English batting lineup. Manudi Nanayakkara also made a valuable contribution, dismissing Alexa Stonehouse to further dent England’s hopes of victory.
In the end, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by 6 runs, defending their total successfully and showcasing their dominance in the U19 Tri Series. The thrilling encounter provided fans with a glimpse of the talent and potential present in the youth ranks of both teams.
Sri Lanka Women's U19 Team are on fire! 🔥 They've clinched their second consecutive win by beating England by 6 runs. #U19TriSeries #SLvENG pic.twitter.com/7cT39V7SHo
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) March 30, 2024
Match Summary: Sri Lanka Under-19s: 128/7 in 20 overs (Nethmi Senarathne 51 runs, Ava Lee 4/19 defeated England Women Under-19s: 122/7 in 20 overs (Abi Norgrove 31 runs, Shashini Gimhani 2/12).
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