Chamudi Praboda’s side aims to cap an impressive campaign with silverware in Faisalabad
Sri Lanka’s promising Under-19 women’s cricket team will face Bangladesh in the final of the Pakistan-hosted Women’s Under-19 T20 Tri-Series today (October 16), with the young Sri Lankan side looking to turn an impressive run of performances into a tournament title.
The final will be played at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, beginning at 10.00 a.m. Pakistan time, equivalent to 10.30 a.m. in Sri Lanka. The two teams earned their places in the championship decider by finishing ahead of hosts Pakistan in the round-robin competition.
Led by Chamudi Praboda, Sri Lanka have demonstrated considerable improvement throughout the tournament, recovering from an opening defeat to Pakistan to produce a series of convincing performances against both opponents. Bangladesh, captained by Sadia Islam, will provide a formidable challenge, having shown their ability to post competitive totals and defend them under pressure.
Sri Lanka Build Momentum After Opening Setback
Sri Lanka’s campaign began with a five-wicket defeat to Pakistan on October 3. However, the young side responded positively, defeating Bangladesh by four wickets on October 5 and by six wickets on October 8.
Their progress continued with an emphatic nine-wicket victory over Pakistan on October 9. Pakistan posted 110 for eight, but Sri Lanka chased down the target in just 15.2 overs, losing only one wicket.
Opening batter Sanjana Kavindi was the standout performer, scoring 61 off 46 deliveries, including eight boundaries and a six. Vimoksha Balasooriya contributed an unbeaten 43 as the pair helped Sri Lanka secure a dominant victory. Kavindi was named Player of the Match for her match-winning innings.
Sri Lanka further strengthened their position with a six-wicket victory over Pakistan on October 12, securing their fourth win of the competition and qualification for the final with a match to spare. Their bowlers restricted the hosts to 105 for eight, with Yeshali Jithara taking two wickets for 20 runs and Limansa Thilakarathna also playing an important role with the ball. Sri Lanka subsequently completed the chase in the 14th over.
The team’s ability to recover from an early defeat and produce consecutive victories has highlighted its growing confidence, improved execution and capacity to perform under pressure.
Bangladesh Remain a Dangerous Opponent
Bangladesh enter the final with a strong record of their own and will be determined to prevent Sri Lanka from completing their campaign with another victory.
Under Sadia Islam’s leadership, Bangladesh have demonstrated resilience with both bat and ball. Their 13-run victory over Pakistan on October 6 was an important example of their ability to defend a total, as they scored 139 for five before restricting the hosts to 126 for seven.
Sadia Islam contributed 24 off 21 deliveries in that match, while Sadia Akter and Farjana Easmin Medha added an unbeaten 51-run partnership for the sixth wicket to lift Bangladesh to a competitive total.
Bangladesh’s batting depth and ability to recover from difficult positions could prove crucial in the final. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will need to maintain their disciplined bowling and sharp fielding to prevent their opponents from building momentum.
The head-to-head contests during the league stage have favoured Sri Lanka, who defeated Bangladesh in all three scheduled meetings. Their most recent encounter on October 14 saw Sri Lanka dismiss Bangladesh for 58 before reaching 59 for two in 10.4 overs to complete an eight-wicket victory
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