Australia Women’s Under-19 team defeated Sri Lanka Women’s U19 by one wicket

Aseni Thalagune produced a brilliant 5 for 42, but her effort went in vain as Australia Women’s Under-19 team defeated Sri Lanka Women’s U19 by one wicket in their Tri-Nation unofficial ODI at Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane, yesterday.

Chasing a target of 175, Australia appeared in control at 161 for five after 36.5 overs. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, however, fought back strongly, taking the final four wickets for just 12 runs. The match was ultimately decided in the 43rd over when the last-wicket pair, Alyssa Dermody and Ava Drury, reached the target to seal a thrilling victory for the home side.

Thalagune’s final over (40th of the innings) was particularly impressive, as she claimed back-to-back wickets to complete her five-wicket haul. Nethmi Upeksha supported well with 3 for 5. At the crease, Australia wicketkeeper Alyssa Dermody remained unbeaten on 37 from 43 balls, striking three fours and guiding her team to a tense finish. Earlier, Indira Panelli top-scored with 59 off 81 balls (3 fours), supported by Ayla Johnson’s quickfire 20 from 25 balls to build the foundation of Australia’s innings.

Sri Lanka’s innings had begun positively. Openers Sanjana Kavindi (19) and Vimoksha Balasuriya (25) put together 49 runs in 14.2 overs. Umayangana Peiris contributed 20, while Chamodi Herath, the last batter, remained unbeaten on 20 from 38 balls, striking two fours to take Sri Lanka to 174 all out with three balls to spare. Mia Brawick was the most successful bowler for Australia, claiming 3 for 22.

Australia’s consecutive wins over England and Sri Lanka secured the Tri-Nation championship. Sri Lanka, who defeated England by 52 runs in their previous match, finished second. Australia topped the points table with four points and a net run rate of 1.170, while Sri Lanka finished with two points and a net run rate of 0.295.

The teams now prepare for the T20 Tri-Series. Australia will face England on 11 April, followed by Sri Lanka against England on 12 April at Bill Pippen Oval, Gold Coast, with later games taking place at Ian Healy Oval, Brisbane.

 

Chief Scores

Sri Lanka Women U19 – 174 all out (49.3 overs)

Sanjana Kavindi 19, Vimoksha Balasuriya 25, Umayangana Peiris 20, Shashini Gimhani 19, Yeshali Jithara 16, Chamodi Herath 20*, Ira Aery 2/29, Mia Brawick 3/22

Australia Women U19 – 175/9 (43.1 overs)

Shiloh Julien 18, Emily Powell 16, Indira Panelli 59, Ayla Johnson 20, Alyssa Dermody 37*, Aseni Thalagune 5/42, Nethmi Upeksha 3/5