Sri Lanka Women U19 began their five-match T20 series against Australia Women U19 with a 15-run victory in the opening encounter at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium yesterday.

Opener Sanjana Kavindi stole the show with a fluent 62 off 46 deliveries, hitting six boundaries and a six. Her 88-run opening stand with Vimoksha Balasuriya (21) set the tone, before skipper Manudi Nanayakkara (28* off 19, 1×4, 2×6) provided the late flourish as Sri Lanka posted 133 for 3.

Australia’s reply faltered early, slipping to 21 for 2. A 61-run stand between opener Shiloh Julien (28) and Emily Powell (39) revived hopes, but once Julien fell, wickets tumbled. Sixteen-year-old left-arm spinner Chamodi Praboda (3 for 16) dismantled the top order, while off-spinner Aseni Thalagune (3 for 25) closed out the innings as the visitors were restricted to 108 for 8.

Sri Lanka now lead the series 1-0, with the second T20 scheduled today at the same venue.

Result: Sri Lanka Women U19 won by 15 runs.

Scores:
Sri Lanka Women U19 133/3 in 20 overs (Sanjana Kavindi 62, Vimoksha Balasuriya 21, Manudi Nanayakkara 28*; Ava Drury 2/23)
Australia Women U19 108/8 in 20 overs (Emily Powell 39, Shiloh Julien 28, Lucy Finn 16; Chamodi Praboda 3/16, Aseni Thalagune 3/25)