Bhavika Ahire's fifty seals India U19 women's 3-0 T20I sweep over Sri Lanka
Synopsis
India U19 women completed a flawless 3-0 T20I series sweep over Sri Lanka U19 at Chennai's MA Chidambaram Stadium, with captain Bhavika Ahire's composed fifty anchoring a seven-wicket chase. A disciplined bowling unit restricted Sri Lanka to 116/7, and Ahire's Player of the Series award underlines her emergence as a key figure in India's next generation of women cricketers.
Key Takeaways
India U19 women beat Sri Lanka U19 by seven wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on 27 June to complete a 3-0 T20I series sweep .
Captain Bhavika Ahire scored 50 and was named Player of the Series for her consistent performances.
Ira Jadhav remained unbeaten on 27 to help seal the chase in 18.4 overs .
Sri Lanka U19 were restricted to 116/7 , with Nethmi Upeksha's unbeaten 51 the only notable contribution.
Anaadi Tagde and Kashvi Kandikuppa took two wickets each for India in the final match.
All three games drew enthusiastic crowds, according to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) .
Bhavika Ahire struck a captain's half-century as India U19 women completed a dominant 3-0 T20I series sweep over Sri Lanka U19, clinching the final match by seven wickets at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on 27 June. Chasing a modest 117, India cruised home in 18.4 overs to cap an emphatic series victory.
India's Chase: Controlled from the Start
Ishwari Awasare gave India an aggressive opening, smashing 21 off 16 balls — including two boundaries and a six — before falling to Danodya Sewmini. Early momentum was briefly dented by a run-out that dismissed wicketkeeper-batter Deeksha Katragadda for 9.
Ahire then took firm control alongside Ira Jadhav, guiding India steadily towards the target. The skipper departed for 50, caught by opposition captain Chamodi Praboda off Aseni Thalagune's bowling, before Ira Jadhav (27 not out) and Purva Siwach finished the job to trigger celebrations in the Indian dugout.
Sri Lanka Restricted to Below-Par Total
Opting to bat first, Sri Lanka U19 never found their footing against a disciplined Indian bowling unit and were held to 116/7 in their 20 overs. Nethmi Upeksha's unbeaten 51 off 60 deliveries was the lone bright spot in an otherwise laborious innings. Sanjana Kavindi chipped in with 17, but no other batter could build a meaningful partnership.
Anaadi Tagde and Kashvi Kandikuppa were the standout performers with the ball, picking up two wickets each — Kandikuppa finishing with figures of 2-16 and Tagde with 2-24.
Series Atmosphere and Ceremony
According to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), all three matches — played on 22 June, 24 June, and 27 June — drew enthusiastic crowds, providing a vibrant atmosphere for the next generation of Indian women cricketers. TNCA Honorary Secretary U. Bhagwandas Rao, alongside Treasurer R. Rangarajan and former Indian women's cricketer and BCCI Apex Member Sudha Shah, presented the champion's trophy to the victorious Indian squad at the post-match ceremony.
For her consistent contributions across all three games, Bhavika Ahire was named the Player of the Series.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka U19: 116/7 in 20 overs (Nethmi Upeksha 51 not out, Sanjana Kavindi 17; Kashvi Kandikuppa 2-16, Anaadi Tagde 2-24) lost to India U19: 120/3 in 18.4 overs (Bhavika Ahire 50, Ira Jadhav 27 not out; Aseni Thalagune 1-22) by seven wickets.
India's clean sweep signals a strong pool of emerging talent ahead of future ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup cycles.
Point of View
But the manner of it carries weight. India's bowling unit held a full Sri Lanka innings to 116 — a collective effort, not a one-off — and the chase was managed with a composure that belies the age group. Bhavika Ahire's Player of the Series award is well-earned, but the more significant signal is depth: Tagde, Kandikuppa, Awasare, and Jadhav all contributed meaningfully across the series. The TNCA's note about crowd attendance is worth flagging — sustained public interest in U19 women's cricket at a Test-standard venue like Chepauk is not routine, and it matters for the ecosystem that produces these players.
NationPress
27 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of the India U19 women vs Sri Lanka U19 third T20I on 27 June?
India U19 women won by seven wickets, chasing down 117 in 18.4 overs at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The victory completed a 3-0 T20I series sweep.
How did Bhavika Ahire perform in the series?
Bhavika Ahire scored 50 in the final match and was named Player of the Series for her consistent performances across all three T20Is. She also led India's chase effectively before being dismissed late in the innings.
How did Sri Lanka U19 bat in the final match?
Sri Lanka U19 were restricted to 116/7 in 20 overs. Nethmi Upeksha top-scored with an unbeaten 51 off 60 balls, but no other batter made a significant contribution.
Who were India's best bowlers in the third T20I?
Anaadi Tagde and Kashvi Kandikuppa were the standout bowlers, each claiming two wickets. Kandikuppa finished with figures of 2-16 and Tagde with 2-24.
Where was the India U19 women vs Sri Lanka U19 T20I series played?
All three matches were played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, with games held on 22 June, 24 June, and 27 June, according to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.
