Tanishka Anchors India to Competitive Total
India Women Under-19 secured an 11-run victory over Sri Lanka Women Under-19 in the second T20 of the 2026 bilateral series at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. A composed half-century from Tanishka Sharma and remarkable bowling effort led by Janhavi Virkar and Maitri Maniar were essential to this win.
India opted to bat first and posted a competitive 134/6 from their 20 overs. The innings suffered an early setback when opener Deeksha Katragadda was dismissed for a two-ball duck by Danodya Sewmini. However, Tanishka Sharma steadied the innings with an excellent knock of 58 from 56 deliveries, striking eight boundaries while holding the batting together through the middle overs.
Ira Jadhav added valuable momentum with a brisk 26 off 21 balls, while Kumari Palak contributed a useful 21 from 18 deliveries to keep the scoreboard moving.
Towards the end of the innings, Kashvi Kandikuppa remained unbeaten on 12 from 14 balls to ensure India finished with a defendable total despite losing Bhavika Ahire for six and Purva to a run out in the closing stages.
Sri Lanka Bowlers Keep India Under Control
Sri Lanka’s bowlers worked collectively to prevent India from posting a bigger total.
Danodya Sewmini delivered an economical spell of 1/15 from three overs after removing the early wicket of Katragadda. Aseni Thalagune also impressed, returning figures of 1/23 from her full quota of four overs, including the important wicket of Tanishka Sharma.
Chamodhi Herath claimed 1/24, while Pramudi Methsara and Limansa Thilakarathna picked up one wicket apiece. Captain Chamudi Praboda went wicketless but maintained pressure throughout her four-over spell.
Balasuriya Leads Sri Lanka’s Fightback
Sri Lanka’s chase revolved around an outstanding innings from Vimoksha Balasuriya, who almost carried her side to victory.
The opener struck a brilliant 61 from 52 deliveries, hitting eight boundaries while keeping Sri Lanka in the contest despite wickets falling around her.
Manudi Nanayakkara provided solid support with 24 from 25 balls, while Sanjana Kavindi contributed 14 from 24 deliveries at the top of the order.
However, Sri Lanka struggled to build meaningful partnerships as regular wickets interrupted their momentum throughout the chase.
Virkar and Maniar Seal Victory
India’s bowlers produced a disciplined performance to defend the total successfully.
Janhavi Virkar starred with outstanding figures of 3/14 from three overs, dismissing Danodya Sewmini, Limansa Thilakarathna and Chamodhi Herath during a match-changing spell that derailed Sri Lanka’s lower order.
Maitri Maniar matched Virkar’s impact by claiming 3/26 from four overs, including the prized wickets of Balasuriya, Nanayakkara and Pramudi Methsara.
Kashvi Kandikuppa also chipped in with 1/24, while Avani Chavda kept the scoring under control with a tidy spell that conceded just 20 runs from four overs.
Although Kumari Palak and Gouri Goyal finished without wickets, their economical spells helped maintain constant pressure as Sri Lanka were restricted to 123/8 from their 20 overs.
India Continue Their Strong Start
India’s victory was built on Tanishka Sharma’s composed innings that laid the foundation for a competitive score and an outstanding bowling display spearheaded by Janhavi Virkar and Maitri Maniar.
For Sri Lanka, Balasuriya’s excellent half-century proved to be a lone bright spot as the early loss of wickets and the inability to build substantial partnerships ultimately prevented the visitors from completing the chase, handing India a series lead.
