Sri Lanka’s Under-19 women’s team, led by Chamudi Praboda, beat Bangladesh by four runs to win the Tri-Nation T20 tournament at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad yesterday.

The victory was Sri Lanka’s fifth consecutive win in the tournament and their fourth successive victory over Bangladesh in the series. Opener Sanjana Kavindi once again led the batting effort with a superb 64 off 44 balls, including seven fours and two sixes, as Sri Lanka posted the tournament’s highest total of 158 for six in 20 overs. Kavindi scored 316 runs in seven matches at an average of 63.20 and was named Player of the Final and Player of the Series for her consistent performances.

Chasing 159, Bangladesh lost three wickets during the powerplay for just 21 runs but fought back through captain Sadia Islam and Nishita Akter. Islam scored 59 off 36 balls, with three fours and five sixes, while Akter made 32 off 33 balls, including two fours. Their 67-run stand for the fourth wicket lifted Bangladesh to 88 for four after 13.1 overs. However, Sri Lanka captain and leg-spinner Chamudi Praboda made a crucial breakthrough by dismissing Islam in the 16th over.

Bangladesh needed 51 runs from the last five overs. Sadia Akter kept their hopes alive with 35 off 22 balls, including a four and three sixes, but was dismissed on the penultimate ball of the innings. Bangladesh finished on 154 for seven, four runs short of the target. Sri Lanka also dropped several catches at crucial stages, allowing Bangladesh to stay in contention. Praboda finished with two for 17 from her four overs.Off-spinner Chamodhi Herath bowled the final over, with Bangladesh needing 19 runs for victory. Sadia Akter struck a six off the third ball to raise hopes of a late turnaround, but Herath dismissed her off the fifth delivery with Shashini Gimhani taking the catch. Sri Lanka then celebrated a thrilling four-run victory and the tournament title.Earlier, Sri Lanka were invited to bat and openers Sanjana Kavindi and Vimoksha Balasuriya made a brisk start, adding 49 runs in five overs. Balasuriya scored 23 off 15 balls, including five fours, before being dismissed by Bangladesh captain Nishita Akter.

Nethmi Upeksha joined Kavindi and added 55 runs for the second wicket to strengthen Sri Lanka’s position. The team reached 81 for one at the halfway stage, with Kavindi bringing up her third half-century of the tournament off just 35 balls. She reached the milestone in style, sending leg-spinner Afrin Mim’s delivery over the boundary for six in the 11th over.Kavindi eventually fell for 64 at 104 for two in the 12.4th over, caught by Farjana Easmin off Nishita Akter. Umayangana Peiris contributed an unbeaten 28 off 23 balls, while Danodya Sewmini scored 15 off 11 deliveries, including two fours. Their useful late contributions helped Sri Lanka pass 150 and finish on 158 for six at a run rate of 7.90.

Farjana Easmin, Nishita Akter, Afrin Mim and Jannatul Ferdous took one wicket each for Bangladesh. Ferdous conceded 16 runs in the final over, which proved costly in the close contest.

Sri Lanka captain Chamudi Praboda said she was happy with the team’s five consecutive wins, adding that the team effort had boosted their morale ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup and World Cup.

Chief Scores

Sri Lanka womens under 19 158 for 6 wickets in 20 overs Sanjana Kavindi 64, Vimoksha Balasuriya 23, Nethmi Upeksha 22, Umayangana Peiris 28*, Danodya Sewmini 15, Farjana Easmin 1/32, Nishita Akter 1/41, Jannatul Ferdous 1/34, Afrin Mim 1/35

Bangladesh womens under 19 154 for 7 wickets in 20 overs Nishita Akter 32, Sadia Islam 59, Sadia Akter 35, Farjana Easmin 11, Chamodhi Herath 2/32 , Danodya Sewmini 1/23 , Chamudi Praboda 2/17.