West Indies Under-19 women endured another tough outing at the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, as they fell to Sri Lanka by 81 runs at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday.
A dismal performance with both bat and ball left the Caribbean side unable to contain a rampant Sri Lanka, who amassed 166-5 in their innings. The West Indies were then bowled out for 85 in 19.4 overs, their second defeat in the tournament.
Despite the setback, the young West Indies women still have a shot at progressing to the Super-Six League stage if they can secure a win in their final group match against hosts Malaysia on Thursday. Defending champions India and Sri Lanka currently lead Group A with four points each.
Sri Lanka's players celebrate. (Photos: ICC/Getty Images)
After electing to bat, Sri Lanka took full advantage of a lackluster West Indies bowling attack as openers Sanjana Kavindi and Sumudu Nisansala laid the foundation with a tidy 54-run partnership.
Kavindi top-scored with 38 off 36 balls, striking six boundaries, while Nisansala chipped in with 19, including two fours and a six, before falling to Kenika Cassar.
At 93-1 at the halfway stage, Sri Lanka were in control, and although Kavindi was stumped by Kristen Sutherland off Naijanni Cumberbatch, the momentum never shifted. This, as Captain Manudi Nanayakkara and Dahami Sanetha added crucial runs in the latter stages.
Nanayakkara struck four boundaries and a six in her 31-ball 37, while Sanetha was left unbeaten on 31 off 25 balls, hitting three fours as their efforts propelled Sri Lanka to their highest-ever team total at the tournament.
Selana Ross was the standout bowler for the West Indies, finishing with figures of 2-25, while Jahzara Claxton and Cumberbatch chipped in with a wicket each.
Selena Ross celebrates one of her two wickets.
Set 167 for victory, the West Indies’ top order again crumbled under pressure. Three wickets fell for just 36 runs during the powerplay, and the team never recovered from there.
Captain Samara Ramnath offered a glimmer of hope with a 23-ball 24, including three boundaries, but lacked support from her teammates. Jahzara Claxton (15), Amrita Ramtahal (11), and Kenika Cassar (12) were the only other batters to reach double figures in what was another uninspiring showing.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by left-arm spinner Chamudi Praboda, with 3-16, were relentless in their efforts. Aseni Thalagune (2-16) and Limansa Thilakaratne (2-7) also delivered decisive blows to seal the victory.