Chennai: Skipper Bhavika Ahire led from the front with a fine half-century as India women’s U19 completed a clinical 3-0 T20I series sweep over Sri Lanka U19 with a comfortable seven-wicket victory in the third and final game at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Saturday.
Chasing a modest 117, India U19 cruised home in 18.4 overs, courtesy a captain’s knock from Bhavika (50) and an unbeaten 27 by Ira Jadhav. For her consistent performances in the series, Bhavika was also rightfully adjudged the Player of the Series.
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka struggled to find any momentum against a disciplined Indian bowling attack and were restricted to a below-par 116/7 in their 20 overs. Barring Nethmi Upeksha’s laborious, unbeaten 51 off 60 deliveries, Sri Lanka never got going. India’s bowling unit kept the pressure on throughout the innings.
For India, Anaadi Tagde and Kashvi Kandikuppa were the standout bowlers with two scalps each.
In reply, India got off to a steady start despite losing wicketkeeper-batter Deeksha Katragadda (9) to a run-out. Opener Ishwari Awasare provided early impetus with a brisk 16-ball 21, smashing two boundaries and a six, before falling to Danodya Sewmini.
Bhavika then took complete control of the chase alongside Ira to put India on the path to victory before being caught by opposition skipper Chamodi Praboda off Aseni Thalagune’s bowling. Ira and Purva Siwach then wrapped up the chase to trigger joyous celebrations in the Indian dugout.
As per the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), the series drew enthusiastic crowds across all three games on June 22, 24, and 27, which in turn provided a highly encouraging atmosphere for the next generation of international women cricketers.
At the post-match presentation, TNCA Honorary Secretary U. Bhagwandas Rao, alongside Treasurer R. Rangarajan and former Indian women’s cricketer and BCCI Apex Member Sudha Shah, handed over the champion’s trophy to the triumphant Indian squad.
Brief scores:
Sri Lanka U19 116/7 in 20 overs (Nethmi Upeksha 51 not out, Sanjana Kavindi 17; Kashvi Kandikuppa 2-16, Anaadi Tagde 2-24) lost to India U19 120/3 in 18.4 overs (Bhavika Ahire 50, Ira Jadhav 27 not out; Aseni Thalagune 1-22) by seven wickets
(IANS)
