Aussie young guns click to thrash Sri Lanka

Australia have put together their most complete performance of the T20 Under-19 World Cup to date, dominating with both bat and ball to thrash Sri Lanka by 108 runs in Benoni.

The mammoth win was not enough for them to top Group A, however; they were forced to settle for second spot behind Bangladesh, who continued their unbeaten run despite a wobble against the United States of America.

That result means it is almost certain Australia will meet the in-form India team captained by Shafali Verma during the Super Six stage, with the Group D placings to be settled after Wednesday's final two matches.

Australia will head into the next phase full of confidence, however, having bowled Sri Lanka out for 51 in 13 overs after putting on 5-159.

A change at the top gave Australia their best start of the tournament, with Sianna Ginger joining Kate Pelle to put on 41 for the first wicket in 5.3 overs.

The aggressive Pelle hit four boundaries in a 19-ball 27, while Ginger put on a run-a-ball 30.

Solid contributions from experienced WBBL pair Ella Hayward (36 off 31) and Amy Smith (22no off 16), plus a late cameo from Queensland quick Lucy Hamilton (22 off 11) took the Australians to 5-159.

Left-arm spinner Charis Bekker had a dream start with the ball, striking with her second delivery to dismiss Vihara Sewwandi (0), before 15-year-old pace bowler Maggie Clarke's excellent form continued when she removed Vishmi Gunaratne (3) and Sumudu Nisansala (5) in quick succession, leaving Sri Lanka 3-21.

Clark sent down 14 dot balls before Sri Lanka finally scored off her bowling; the South Australian finishing with figures of 2-8 from three overs.

Sri Lanka opener Nethmi Senarathne (11) was the only batter to reach double digits as Hayward (1-7), Ginger (1-2), Smith (1-6) and Milly Illingworth (1-4) all picked up wickets before Hamilton (2-0) cleaned up the tail.  

ICC Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup 2023

Australia squad: Rhys McKenna (c),Charis Bekker, Paris Bowdler, Maggie Clark, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Paris Hall, Ella Hayward, Milly Illingworth, Eleanor Larosa, Claire Moore, Kate Pelle, Ananaya Sharma, Amy Smith, Ella Wilson. 

Group A: Australia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and USA

Group B: England, Pakistan, Rwanda and Zimbabwe

Group C: Indonesia, Ireland, New Zealand and West Indies

Group D: India, Scotland, South Africa and the UAE

Australia’s schedule  

View the full schedule here

January 14: Bangladesh beat Australia by seven wickets

January 16: Australia beat USA by nine wickets

January 18: Australia beat Sri Lanka by 108 runs

Super Sixes

January 21: v India, North-West University Oval, Potchefstroom, 1.45pm local (9.45pm AEDT) 

January 23: v UAE, JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom, 1.45pm local (9.45pm AEDT) 

* If Australia qualify:

Final: January 29, JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom, 1.45pm local (10.45pm AEDT)