By Srian Obeyesekere

The mega Under-19 Women’s Tri-Nations T20 Cricket Tournament that has taken pride of place in Sri Lanka which is hosting the extravaganza saw England defeat Australia by 35 runs in the second match played at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Hambantota yesterday. Under-19 Women’s Tri-Nations T20 Cricket Tournament match

The England lasses recovered to 146 in 19.3 overs after losing their top four batters cheaply through fighting knocks by skipper Josie Groves who struck a cameo 52 off 41 balls laced with 4 boundaries and 2 sixes and Jodi Grewcock, 31 off 33 balls with 3 boundaries and a six in posting also 90 runs off 54 balls for the fifth wicket.

Australia could muster only 111 for 5 in 20 overs in the face of tight bowling by Sophia Smale 3 for 19 and Alexa Stonehousa 2 for 17.  Eleanor Larosa top scored for Australia with an unbeaten 41 and Hasrat Gill 40 not out, but they fell short of the required run rate to overhaul England.

CHIEF SCORES:

England Under-19 Women: 146 in 19.3 overs (Josie Groves 57, Jodi Grewcock 31, Hasrat Gill 4/20, Sienna Eve 3/10, Lucy Hamilton 2/25)

Australia Under-19 Women: 111/5 in 20 overs (Eleanor Larosa 41 n.o, Hasrat Gill 40 n.o, Sophia Smale 3/19, Alexa Stonehousa 2/17).