India U-19 Women Begin Series in Style, Thrash Sri Lanka by 120 Runs

India's Under-19 women's team made a commanding start to the unofficial one day series by defeating Sri Lanka by 120 runs in the opening match at Puducherry on Tuesday. A composed innings from Ira Jadhav , valuable middle order contributions, and a disciplined bowling performance helped the hosts secure a convincing 1-0 lead in the series.

After electing to bat first, India recovered well from an early setback to post a competitive 279/8 in their allotted 50 overs . The foundation of the innings was laid by opener Ira Jadhav , who played a mature and well paced knock of 83 off 104 balls . She steadied the innings after the early dismissal of Deeya Yadav and ensured India maintained control through crucial partnerships during the middle overs.

The momentum gathered further thanks to an aggressive contribution from Nidhi Mahto , who struck a quickfire 54 off just 51 deliveries . Her positive approach accelerated India's scoring rate at an important stage of the innings. Captain Bhavika Ahire added a useful 42 , while V Pratiksha chipped in with 21 , allowing India to finish strongly and push the total close to the 280 mark.

For Sri Lanka, Chamodhi Herath was the standout bowler with figures of 3/51 , but the visitors struggled to contain India's batting depth as runs continued to flow throughout the innings.

Chasing 280 , Sri Lanka never found the stability required for a successful pursuit. The Indian bowlers made an immediate impact by removing three batters inside the first ten overs, putting the visitors under pressure from the outset. Regular wickets prevented Sri Lanka from building any meaningful partnerships, and the required run rate kept climbing with every passing over.

Manudi Nanayakkara fought hard with a patient 47 , while Limansa Thilakarathna contributed 30 , but neither batter could convert their starts into a match changing innings. As wickets continued to fall, Sri Lanka's chase gradually faded.

India's bowlers remained disciplined throughout the innings, maintaining tight lines and consistently breaking partnerships. Janhavi Virkar returned figures of 2/40 , while Mahak Narwase impressed with an economical 2/12 , helping dismiss Sri Lanka for 159 in 48.5 overs and sealing a comprehensive victory with seven balls remaining.

The emphatic win reflects the balance in India's squad, with the batters laying a solid platform and the bowlers backing it up with a clinical display. Having taken an early advantage, the hosts will head into the remaining matches full of confidence as they look to continue their dominance and wrap up the series.

Brief Scores: India Women U-19 279/8 in 50 overs ( Ira Jadhav 83, Nidhi Mahto 54; Chamodhi Herath 3/51) beat Sri Lanka Women U-19 159 all out in 48.5 overs ( Manudi Nanayakkara 47, Limansa Thilakarathna 30; Janhavi Virkar 2/40, Mahak Narwase 2/12) by 120 runs .