Opener Sanjana Kavindi produced the best innings of her career, smashing an unbeaten 90 off 59 balls as Sri Lanka Women’s Under-19s recorded a superb six-wicket win over Bangladesh with five balls to spare in their T20 Tri-Nation cricket fixture at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad yesterday.It was Sri Lanka’s second successive victory over Bangladesh, following their thrilling last-ball win in the previous game. Left-hander Kavindi was again at the forefront, earning the Player of the Match award for the second consecutive game after another consistent batting display.The 17-year-old anchored the Sri Lankan chase with a superb unbeaten 90, which included 13 fours and two sixes. She shared a crucial 60-run fourth-wicket partnership with Danodya Sewmini, who played a valuable supporting role with 19 off 27 balls, including a boundary, as Sri Lanka chased down Bangladesh’s 126.

Sri Lanka’s openers Kavindi and Vimoksha Balasuriya failed to make an impact early, with Vimoksha dismissed for a duck in the third over by medium-fast bowler Farjana Easmin.

Kavindi, however, quickly shifted gears, hitting back-to-back sixes off Oddrita Nowshin in the fifth over. She used her sweep and reverse-sweep shots effectively to keep the scoreboard moving and added 42 runs for the second wicket with Nethmi Upeksha, who made 12.

The match was then shaped by Kavindi’s 60-run partnership with Sewmini, which put Sri Lanka firmly in control and carried them close to victory.Off-spinner Tithi Das was Bangladesh’s most successful bowler with two for 21, while Afrin Mim and Farjana Easmin took one wicket each.Earlier, Bangladesh made a strong start after electing to bat, reaching 79 for two in the first 10 overs and threatening to post a big total.Opener Achena Jannat led the way with a fluent 50 off 36 balls, including seven fours, while Shirina Khatun contributed 16. Bangladesh appeared set for a challenging total, but Sri Lanka’s bowlers tightened the screws during the final 10 overs.

Sri Lanka conceded only 47 runs while taking six wickets to restrict Bangladesh to 126 for eight in their 20 overs.kipper and experienced leg-spinner Chamudi Prabodha conceded 12 runs in her first over but bounced back strongly in her second spell. She struck twice in the 14th over, dismissing Jannat for 50 and Bangladesh captain Sadia Islam for 11. Prabodha finished with excellent figures of two for 18 from her four overs, including a maiden.Off-spinner Chamodhi Herath also played an important supporting role, taking two for 14 from her three overs.Sri Lanka captain Chamudi Prabodha said the bowlers made a strong comeback after Bangladesh’s fast start, while deputy captain Kavindi used her experience to produce a superb innings and guide the team to victory.

“Our all-round performance was very good and we want to continue with this good momentum,” Prabodha said.Coach Ruvin Peiris was pleased with the fighting spirit shown by his young players throughout the tournament.“They have good talent and their commitment has always been very good. This is valuable experience for these youngsters,” Peiris said.Sri Lanka Under-19s, having recorded back-to-back victories over Bangladesh, will meet hosts Pakistan in the sixth match of the Tri-Nation series today (9) at the same venue.Bangladesh have played four matches, winning two and collecting four points. Sri Lanka have played three matches and also have four points after two victories, while Pakistan have one win against Sri Lanka and two points.

Chief scores

Bangladesh Women’s Under-19s: 126/8 in 20 overs (Achena Jannat 50, Shirina Khatun 16, Nishita Akter 15, Sadia Islam 11, Sadia Akter 16*; Chamudi Prabodha 2/18, Chamodhi Herath 2/14, Danodya Sewmini 1/31, Nethmi Upeksha 1/18).

Sri Lanka Women’s Under-19s: 128/4 in 19.1 overs (Sanjana Kavindi 90*, Danodya Sewmini 19, Nethmi Upeksha 12; Tithi Das 2/21, Afrin Mim 1/25, Farjana Easmin 1/15).