India pips Sri Lanka, seals women’s u-19 T20 series

India clinched the three-match women’s under-19 T20 series with a narrow 11-run win over Sri Lanka in the second game at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday.

Chasing a tricky 135, Sri Lanka stayed in the contest through a 69-run second-wicket partnership that threatened to swing the match. However, medium-pacer Janhavi Virkar (three for 14) and left-arm spinner Maitri Maniar (three for 26) pulled things back to secure an unassailable 2-0 lead for the home team.

For all-rounder Kashvi Kandikuppa, wearing the India colours is a dream come true. “When the squad list came out, I was really overwhelmed. But this is just the beginning,” said Kashvi. The youngster credited her coaches, Arjun Dev and Kiran Uppoor at the NICE academy, for her aggressive mindset. “Attack is the best form of defence. Whatever the situation is, you look to take on the opponent and not be on the defensive side.” 

Kashvi, who began as a keeper-batter and medium-pacer before settling into off-spin, said India head coach Nooshin Al Khadeer helped simplify her approach. “Before learning variations, she wanted me to be spot-on with my off-spin. It is about using the crease, understanding the batter and reading situations,” Kashvi said.

Though there is pressure when representing the country, Kashvi believes enjoyment remains central to her game. “I started playing the sport to enjoy it. If I lose that, there is no point in playing.”

The scores: India u-19 134/6 in 20 overs (Tanishka Sharma 58) bt Sri Lanka u-19 123/8 in 20 overs (Vimoksha Balasuriya 61, Janhavi Virkar 3/14, Maitri Maniar 3/26). PoM: Maitri.