Kuala Lumpur: India continued their impressive form in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, defeating Sri Lanka by 60 runs to enter the Super Six stage as Group A toppers on Thursday. A composed 49-run knock by opener G Trisha and a fiery opening spell by the pacers set up India’s commanding victory.
Trisha Anchors India’s Innings
On a challenging surface, Trisha’s 44-ball innings proved invaluable, guiding India to a competitive total of 118/9. Despite the tricky conditions, the right-hander demonstrated maturity, rotating the strike effectively and picking her moments to attack. She displayed her aggressive side with a clean six over long-off against Shashni Gimhani.
India’s middle and lower order faced struggles, but valuable contributions from VJ Joshitha and Mithila Vinod helped add crucial runs in the closing stages of the innings.
Pacers Decimate Sri Lanka’s Top Order
Defending 118, India’s pacers Shabnam and VJ Joshitha delivered a devastating opening spell, reducing Sri Lanka to 9/4 within 3.2 overs. The dismissal of Sri Lankan captain Manudi Nanayakkara via a run-out in the following over further compounded their troubles, leaving them tottering at 12/5.
Spinners Seal the Deal
With the new-ball damage done, India’s spinners took charge, dismantling the Sri Lankan batting lineup with clinical precision. Parunika Sisodia, Ayushi Shukla, and Vaishnavi Sharma, who had earlier recorded remarkable figures of 5/5 against Malaysia, cleaned up the lower order with ease.
Sisodia was particularly impressive, claiming crucial wickets while maintaining control over the game. Rashmika Sewwandi showed some resistance with the bat but fell while trying to accelerate against Sisodia, registering the only double-digit score in Sri Lanka’s innings.
A Flawless Group Stage for India
Sri Lanka ultimately managed only 58/9 in their 20 overs, as India’s bowlers ensured there was no chance of a comeback. This victory marked India’s third consecutive win in the group stage, maintaining their perfect record.
Player of the Match: G Trisha
Trisha’s composed knock under pressure earned her the Player of the Match award. Her ability to adapt to the challenging conditions and guide her team to a competitive total was pivotal in India’s success.
With this comprehensive win, India head into the Super Six stage brimming with confidence, having displayed dominance with both bat and ball throughout the group stage.
