A dominant Sri Lanka got their ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 off to a strong start when they defeated hosts Malaysia by 139 runs at Bayuemas Oval on Sunday.

Both teams were playing their first match of the tournament, with Malaysia making their debut at the World Cup.Having been put into bat, Sri Lanka batted strongly with Dahami Sanethma scoring 55 of Sri Lanka’s 162 runs.Chamudi Praboda then took three wickets for five runs with two maidens to see Malaysia bowled out for 23.

Sri Lanka started with ferocity as Sajana Kavindi blasted 30 from 13 balls, including six fours.She and Sumudu Nisansala built a 40-run opening partnership before Nisansala became the first-ever wicket for Malaysia as off-spinner Nur Dania Syuhada made history.Sanethma and Hiruni Kumari put on 49 for the fourth wicket before Sanethma powered on to the maiden fifty of the World Cup to see Sri Lanka set 163 to win.

In reply, Nur Aliya scored Malaysia’s first World Cup run but from there Sri Lanka took control as Praboda took two wickets in two balls.Malaysia were reduced to 17 for six in the ninth over thanks to a direct hit from Aseni Thalagune and were eventually bowled out for 23 to see their first match end in defeat.

Scores in brief

Sri Lanka v Malaysia – Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Sri Lanka 162/6 in 20 overs (Dahami Sanethma 55, Sanjana Kavindi 30; Siti Nazwah 2/31, Nur Isma Dania 1/23)

Malaysia 23 all out in 14 overs (Nur Aliya 7, Suabika Manivannan 6; Chamudi Praboda 3/5, Limansa Thilakaratne 2/3)

Result: Sri Lanka won by 139 runs