Australia U19 Women secured a dramatic one-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the third match of the Under-19 Tri-series at the Ian Healy Oval on 8 April 2026. Led by stand-in captain Emily Powell, Australia chased down 175 in a tense finish, with Alyssa Dermody playing a decisive unbeaten innings.
Sri Lanka, captained by Chamodi Praboda, entered the contest after a 52-run win over England in the previous match at the same venue.
Sri Lanka post 174 after strong start
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to bat and made a solid start through openers Vimoksha Balasuriya and Sanjana Kavindi, who added 49 runs for the first wicket. Ava Drury broke the partnership in the 15th over, dismissing Kavindi for 19 off 48 balls.
Umayangana Peiris then joined Balasuriya, and the pair added 35 runs for the second wicket to take the total past 100. Mia Barwick removed Peiris for 20 off 25 balls in the 21st over, triggering a collapse that saw Sri Lanka lose seven wickets for 58 runs.
Chamodi Herath (20* off 20) and Yesali Jithara (16 off 40) provided late resistance with a 32-run stand, helping Sri Lanka reach 174 before being bowled out with three balls remaining.
Balasuriya scored 25 off 56 balls, while Shashini Gimhani added 19 off 32. Australia conceded 35 extras during the innings. Mia Barwick (3 for 22), Ira Aery (2 for 29), and Filippa Suesee (1 for 23) were among the key contributors with the ball, with Ava Drury, Ayaka Stafford, and Emily Powell also taking a wicket each.
Dermody holds nerve in tense chase
Australia’s chase began cautiously, with Mia Barwick dismissed for 7 in the fourth over. Emily Powell and Shiloh Julien attempted to rebuild with a 24-run partnership, but Powell fell for 16, leaving the hosts under pressure.
At 54/3 in the 17th over, Ayla Johnson and Indira Panelli combined for a crucial 53-run stand to bring Australia back into the contest. Johnson made 20 before being dismissed in the 28th over, after which Alyssa Dermody joined Panelli to continue the recovery.
The pair added another important 54-run partnership for the fifth wicket, taking Australia close to the target. Panelli anchored the innings with a composed 59 off 81 balls before being dismissed in the 37th over.
Sri Lanka responded with a late surge, claiming four quick wickets for just 12 runs to reduce Australia to 173/9 in the 43rd over, setting up a tense finish.
Dermody, however, remained composed under pressure. Her unbeaten 37 off 43 balls guided Australia over the line with one wicket in hand and 41 balls remaining, securing their second consecutive win in the series.
Sri Lanka bowlers impress despite defeat
Aseni Thalagune was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, finishing with figures of 5 for 42 in 10 overs. Nethmi Upeksha supported with 3 for 5 in 4 overs, while Chamodi Praboda and Chamodi Herath also contributed with the ball.
Despite their late fightback, Sri Lanka fell just short as Australia held their nerve to complete a narrow victory.
