Skipper Manudi’s masterclass 74* gives SL commanding start

U19 Women’s Asia Cup in Kuala Lumpur

Monday, 16 December 2024 03:31 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka Women’s U19 skipper Manudi Nanayakkara (right) starred in her team’s convincing win over Malaysia

In a commanding start to their Women’s U19 Asia Cup campaign in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Sri Lanka steamrolled Malaysia by 94 runs after skipper Manudi Nanayakkara’s match-defining knock at the crease.

The Sri Lankan side never looked back after winning the toss and electing to bat.

Nanayakkara, who would later claim Player of the Match honours, put on a batting masterclass, smashing 74* off just 40 deliveries. Her explosive innings, decorated with 10 boundaries and two sixes, set the perfect platform for Sri Lanka’s imposing total of 153/4. The captain found sterling support in Limansa Thilakarathne, who crafted a composed 41* off 46 balls (4 fours), as the pair dominated the Malaysian bowling attack in an unbroken 109-run stand after losing the first four wickets for 44.

The Malaysian reply never threatened to challenge the target, crumbling to 59-6 in their 20 overs. Hiruni Hansika’s remarkable spell of 2/2 from three overs exemplified Sri Lanka’s ruthless bowling performance. Malaysia’s batting line-up struggled to build meaningful partnerships against a disciplined Sri Lankan attack.

Nanayakkara’s all-around leadership and match-winning performance marked her as the standout player in this opening fixture, setting a strong tone for Sri Lanka’s title ambitions in the tournament.

Sri Lanka play Bangladesh Women in their second Group B match today.

Scores:

Sri Lanka Women’s (U19) 153-4 (20) (Limansa Thilakarathne 41*, Manudi Nanayakkara 74*, Nur Dania 2/21)

Malaysia Women’s (U19) 59-6 (20) (Nur Ain 12, Hiruni Hansika 2/2)