Ahire and Mahto Power India to 170
India Women Under-19 began the Sri Lanka Women Under-19 tour of India 2026 with a 93-run victory in the opening T20 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, India recovered from an early wobble to post an imposing 170/6 in their 20 overs, thanks to superb half-centuries from captain Bhavika Ahire and Nidhi Mahto.
The innings started positively as opener Tanishka Sharma blasted 16 off just 10 balls before Chamodhi Herath claimed the breakthrough. Ira Jadhav added 10 from 12 deliveries before falling to a caught-and-bowled dismissal by Chamudi Praboda.
India’s recovery was led by Nidhi Mahto, who produced an aggressive knock of 59 from 44 balls, striking eight boundaries and one six. The middle-order batter maintained the momentum before Herath dismissed her during the latter stages of the innings.
Captain Bhavika Ahire then took complete control. The wicketkeeper-batter smashed a brilliant 73 from only 47 deliveries, hitting 11 fours and one six to put Sri Lanka’s bowlers under constant pressure. Her innings laid the foundation for a commanding total.
Late contributions proved limited as Ishwari Awasare scored 4 before being run out, Kashvi Kandikuppa departed without scoring, and Kumari Palak remained unbeaten on 1 to guide India to 170/6.
Sri Lanka Bowlers Find Limited Success
Chamodhi Herath was the standout performer with the ball for Sri Lanka, producing an excellent spell of 2/20 from four overs while delivering 12 dot balls.
Pramudi Methsara also impressed, returning figures of 2/23 from her four-over spell, while captain Chamudi Praboda picked up one wicket despite conceding 34 runs.
The remaining bowlers struggled to contain India’s aggressive batting. Danodya Sewmini leaked 39 runs from three overs, Aseni Thalagune conceded 30 from her three overs, and Limansa Thilakarathna finished wicketless after allowing 22 runs in two overs.
India Bowlers Dominate the Chase
Sri Lanka’s chase never gathered momentum as India’s disciplined bowling attack dismantled the batting lineup from the outset.
Anaadi Tagde struck early to dismiss Sanjana Kavindi for 7 before Vimoksha Balasuriya briefly counterattacked with 24 from 20 balls, including five boundaries. Kashvi Kandikuppa ended her innings to restore India’s control.
Umayangana Peiris battled for 12 from 23 deliveries before a direct-hit run-out from Tagde, while Manudi Nanayakkara fought with a determined 28 from 27 balls. However, once Nidhi Mahto dismissed her, Sri Lanka’s resistance collapsed completely.
Danodya Sewmini scored 2, Pramudi Methsara managed just 1, and Chamodhi Herath added only 2. Limansa Thilakarathna, Nethagi Isuranjali and Aseni Thalagune all departed without scoring as captain Chamudi Praboda remained unbeaten on 1 when the innings ended at just 77 in 18.3 overs.
Clinical Bowling Seals Comprehensive Victory
India’s bowling performance was built on discipline and relentless pressure throughout the innings.
Anaadi Tagde set the tone with figures of 2/12 from three overs, including a maiden. Janhavi Virkar provided excellent support by conceding only eight runs from her three-over spell while also bowling a maiden.
Kashvi Kandikuppa claimed one wicket, Mahak Narwase delivered an economical spell of 0/12, while Kumari Palak made a strong impact with figures of 2/7 from just two overs.
Maitri Maniar added another wicket before Nidhi Mahto wrapped up the innings in spectacular fashion. The all-rounder finished with outstanding figures of 3/5 from only 1.3 overs, tearing through the lower order to complete India’s dominant victory.
India Make Perfect Start to the Series
India Under-19 showcased their strength in every department, with Bhavika Ahire and Nidhi Mahto starring with the bat before the bowling unit combined to dismiss Sri Lanka for just 77.
The comprehensive 93-run victory gives India a perfect start to the series and highlights the depth of talent within the squad as they look to continue their impressive form in the remaining matches.
