Windies U19s lose again at ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (CMC):

Sri Lanka showcased an all-round masterclass to secure an emphatic 81-run victory over the West Indies, marking their second win in as many games at the ICC Under-19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025.

In contrast, the regional side was suffering their second straight loss and are now left reeling with their campaign hinging on a must-win clash with hosts Malaysia.

Winning the toss and opting to bat, Sri Lanka set an imposing total of 166 for five, their highest-ever score in the tournament's history, surpassing their 162-run effort against Malaysia in their opening match.

Openers Sumudu Nisansala and Sanjana Kavindi laid the foundation with a blistering 48-run stand in the powerplay.

Nisansala, who hammered Selena Ross for a massive six over midwicket, fell in the seventh over for 19, but her dismissal didn't slow the scoring.

Captain Manudi Nanayakkara steadied the ship with 37 runs, while Dahami Sanethma's unbeaten 31 from 25 balls ensured a commanding finish. Ross was the pick of the bowlers for the Windies with two wickets for 25 runs.

The Caribbean side's reply began with promise but quickly unravelled as wickets tumbled regularly. Left-arm spinner Chamudi Praboda was the tormentor-in-chief, dismantling the top order with a devastating spell during the powerplay.

Aseni Thalagune delivered a crucial blow by dismissing Windies skipper Samara Ramnath, who led a brave resistance with 24 off 23 balls.

Bereft of partnerships and answers to Sri Lanka's disciplined bowling, the Windies were skittled out well short of their target, despite a spirited 15 from Jahzara Claxton and 12 from Kenika Cassar. Praboda finished with three wickets for 16 runs.

Sri Lanka's final Group A encounter against India will decide their seeding heading into the Super Six stage. Meanwhile, the Windies face a do-or-die showdown with Malaysia, needing a victory to keep their World Cup aspirations alive.