ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup: Vaishnavi Sharma stars as India Humble Malaysia; Sri Lanka prevail over WI

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Debutant Vaishnavi Sharma delivered a historic performance as India secured a resounding 10-wicket victory over hosts Malaysia at the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup.

The reigning champions demonstrated their dominance, dismissing Malaysia for just 31 runs in 14.3 overs before chasing down the target in 2.5 overs without losing a wicket.

Record-Breaking Spell by Vaishnavi Sharma

Sharma, a left-arm spinner, etched her name in the tournament's history books with an extraordinary debut performance. She claimed a stunning five-wicket haul, conceding only five runs in her four-over spell - the best bowling figures ever recorded in the tournament.

Sharma's hat-trick, which came in the 14th over, accounted for Ain, Nur Isma Dania, and Nazwah, making her only the third bowler in ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup history to achieve this feat.

This remarkable effort by Sharma further solidified India's status as defending champions and propelled them to the top of Group A after Sri Lanka's earlier win over the West Indies.

Malaysia's Struggles with the Bat

Opting to bat first, Malaysia faced a challenging start. Wicketkeeper-batter Nur Aliya managed a boundary off Shabnam in the opening over, but a series of wickets fell rapidly, beginning with Aliya's run-out in the second over. Sharma's inclusion in the playing XI, replacing fellow left-arm spinner Sonam Yadav, proved to be a masterstroke as Malaysia's batting lineup crumbled under her spell.

Aayushi Shukla also contributed significantly with the ball, claiming three wickets for just eight runs. Together, Sharma and Shukla dismantled Malaysia's batting, ensuring no batter crossed the double-digit mark.

India's Swift Chase

Chasing a modest target of 32, India wasted no time in securing victory. Opener Gongadi Trisha smashed an unbeaten 27 off 15 balls, including five boundaries, while her partner G Kamalini remained not out on four. India reached the target in just 2.5 overs, showcasing their intent and dominance.

Sri Lanka Shine in Group A

In the day's earlier match at the Bayuemas Oval, Sri Lanka recorded their highest-ever total at the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup, posting an imposing 166 for five against the West Indies. Openers Sumudu Nisansala and Sanjana Kavindi laid a solid foundation with a 48-run partnership in the powerplay. Captain Manudi Nanayakkara's 37 and Dahami Sanethma's unbeaten 31 further bolstered Sri Lanka's innings.

The West Indies, in response, were bowled out for 85 in 19.4 overs. Chamudi Praboda's outstanding spell of three wickets for 16 runs dismantled the top order, while Aseni Thalagune's dismissal of skipper Samara Ramnath sealed the victory for Sri Lanka.

Scores in Brief

Sri Lanka vs. West Indies at Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Sri Lanka: 166/5 in 20 overs (Sanjana Kavindi 38, Manudi Nanayakkara 37; Selena Ross 2/25, Jahzara Claxton 1/20)
• West Indies: 85 all out in 19.4 overs (Samara Ramnath 24, Jahzara Claxton 15; Chamudi Praboda 3/16, Limasa Thilakaratne 2/7)
• Result: Sri Lanka won by 81 runs

India vs. Malaysia at Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Malaysia: 32 all out in 14.3 overs (Husna 5, Nur Aliya 5; Vaishnavi Sharma 5/5, Aayushi Shukla 3/8)
• India: 32/0 in 2.5 overs (Gongadi Trisha 27*, G Kamalini 4*; Suabika 0/16, Nur Dania Syuhada 0/15)
• Result: India won by 10 wickets

India will now face Sri Lanka in a highly anticipated clash on Thursday, with both teams vying for the top spot in Group A.