The stage was set for a thrilling encounter as England clashed with Sri Lanka in the T20 leg of the Women’s U19 Tri-series at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota. In a match filled with exciting moments, England emerged triumphant, securing a convincing six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka.
Winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bat first, setting a target of 126 runs for England to chase down. However, the Sri Lankan innings got off to a shaky start with early wickets falling at regular intervals.
Despite Sanjana Kavindi’s resilient 20 and Ashani Kaushalya’s brisk 24, Sri Lanka struggled to build substantial partnerships as the middle order failed to capitalize on starts. Notable contributions from Manudi Nanayakkara (12) and Rashmika Sewwandi (21 not out) propelled Sri Lanka to a modest total of 126 runs for the loss of 9 wickets in their allotted 20 overs.
#SriLankaU19 put up a total of 126/9 against England! Can our bowlers take us over the line for victory?
🔴 LIVE: 6th T20 | England vs Sri Lanka | U19 Women's Tri-Nation Series 2024https://t.co/JoVt5fpcy8 #SLvENG #U19TriSeries pic.twitter.com/6vZu83eLkX
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) April 3, 2024
England’s bowlers exhibited tight lines and sharp variations to keep the Sri Lankan batters in check. The bowling attack displayed disciplined bowling performances with Mary Taylor (1 wicket for 11 runs) and Charlotte Lambert (2 wickets for 23 runs) leading the charge.
Other bowlers including Sophia Smale, Tilly Corteen Coleman, Charis Pavely, and Ava Lee also contributed with crucial breakthroughs, restricting Sri Lanka’s scoring rate.
In response, England’s innings got off to a blazing start with Davina Perrin’s explosive knock of 54 runs off just 34 deliveries, laying a solid foundation for the chase. Erin Thomas (27) and Charis Pavely (24 not out) provided vital contributions, steering England towards the target with confidence.
Despite a few wobbles in the middle order, England’s batters maintained their composure and steered the team to victory in just 14.3 overs, securing a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s bowling effort was led by Hiruni Hansika, who claimed 2 crucial wickets for 21 runs, supported by Shashini Gimhani (1 wicket for 28 runs) and Manudi Nanayakkara (1 wicket for 9 runs). However, their efforts were overshadowed by England’s dominant batting display.
#SriLankaU19 put up a total of 126/9 against England! Can our bowlers take us over the line for victory?
🔴 LIVE: 6th T20 | England vs Sri Lanka | U19 Women's Tri-Nation Series 2024https://t.co/JoVt5fpcy8 #SLvENG #U19TriSeries pic.twitter.com/6vZu83eLkX
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) April 3, 2024
With this victory, England asserted their supremacy in the Women’s U19 Tri-series T20 leg, showcasing their prowess in the shortest format of the game.
Sri Lanka, despite the loss, will take positives from individual performances and aim to bounce back stronger in the remainder of the series.
U19 T20 Tri-series: Sri Lanka U19 vs England U19 Brief Score
SL- 126/9 (Ashani Kaushalya 24, Rashmika Sewwandi 21*; Ava Lee 2/19, Charlotte Lambert 2/23) lost to ENG- 127/4 (Davina Perrin 54*, Erin Thomas 27, Charis Pavely 24*) by six wickets.
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