Sri Lanka launched their campaign at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 in stunning fashion, handing hosts Malaysia a resounding defeat by 139 runs at the Bayuemas Oval on Sunday. This match marked a historic occasion for Malaysia, as they debuted in a World Cup, but the day ultimately belonged to the seasoned Sri Lankan side.
Match Summary
Venue: Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: Sunday, [19/01/2025]
Result: Sri Lanka won by 139 runs
Sri Lankan Batting Highlights
After being put into bat first, Sri Lanka posted a formidable total of 162 runs for the loss of six wickets in their allotted 20 overs. The innings were spearheaded by Dahami Sanethma, who showcased her batting prowess with a commanding score of 55 runs off 56 balls, including five boundaries.
Sajana Kavindi scored an explosive start at the top of the order, scoring 30 runs off just 13 deliveries with six boundaries. Kavindi and Sumudu Nisansala forged a solid opening partnership of 40 runs.
Though Nisansala was dismissed for 19 runs, Sanethma’s partnerships continued to bolster the innings. She formed a crucial alliance of 49 runs with Hiruni Kumari for the fourth wicket, further consolidating Sri Lanka’s position. Sanethma’s impressive knock culminated in her being the first player to score a fifty in the tournament, ensuring her team set a challenging target of 163 runs for the hosts.
Sri Lanka Innings:
- Total: 162/6 in 20 overs
- Top Scorer: Dahami Sanethma – 55 runs (56 balls, 5 fours)
- Other Contributions: Sajana Kavindi – 30 runs (13 balls)
- Notable Bowling for Malaysia: Siti Nazwah 2/31, Nur Isma Dania 1/23
Malaysia’s Struggle with Batting
In response, Malaysia faced an uphill battle against the Sri Lankan bowlers. They crumbled under pressure and scored only 23 runs before being bowled out in just 14 overs. The Malaysian innings began with Nur Aliya, who notably scored the team’s first-ever run in a World Cup match with her contribution of 7 runs.
The Sri Lankan bowlers, particularly Chamudi Praboda(Batti), were relentless. Praboda’s formidable performance saw her claim three wickets for just five runs in an astonishing display of bowling that included two maidens. Limansa Thilakaratne also made her mark with figures of 2/3, contributing to Malaysia’s downward spiral.
The Malaysian team reduced to a dismal 17 for six within nine overs, struggled to cope with the pressure and precision of Sri Lanka’s bowling attack. They ultimately succumbed to 23 runs, marking a sobering introduction to World Cup cricket.
Malaysia Innings:
- Total: 23 all out in 14 overs
- Top Scorer: Nur Aliya – 7 runs
- Notable Bowling for Sri Lanka: Chamudi Praboda 3/5, Limansa Thilakaratne 2/3
The match concluded with Sri Lanka securing a massive victory by 139 runs. This win highlighted Sri Lanka’s dominance in women’s cricket and served as a learning curve for the Malaysian team as they embarked on their journey in international cricket. While Sri Lanka looks to build on this promising start, Malaysia will be eager to learn from their experience and improve in their subsequent matches.
