Under the punishing heat of the Chennai sun, the Indian Under-19 women’s team kicked off its preparations for next year’s World Cup with a thumping 93-run over Sri Lanka U-19 at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium on Monday.

The players from the Island nation are in the city visiting for a three-match Youth T20 series, but their sojourn was welcomed by a harsh reality check.

India captain Bhavika Ahire and Nidhi Mahto stitched a match-defining 128-run partnership for the third wicket after openers Tanishka Sharma and Ira Jadhav were sent back in the PowerPlay.

“Our thoughts were clear about batting. We wanted to create a partnership and focus on what the situation is demanding,” Bhavika — whose 47-ball 73 included a deft glance behind the stumps off pacer Danodya Sewmini to reach her half-century in the 15th over — told reporters after the match.

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The duo’s marathon stand lasted till the 18th over when Nidhi’s innings was ended by Chamodi Herath (2/20). Sri Lanka did pick up a few wickets thereon, especially two in the last over courtesy of Pramudi Methsara, but a competitive total had already been set.

“The longer we could bat, the more the runs would accumulate on the scorecard,” Nidhi, who also spoke to the media along with her skipper, said.

Chasing a 171-run target, Sri Lanka couldn’t maximise the PowerPlay as it could only muster 25 runs for the loss of a wicket. The Lankans were staring at a steep required rate of 12 with 10 overs to go, and the pressure to find boundaries was only climbing. Add to that India’s disciplined bowling – the unit didn’t concede a single extra in the innings.

Led by Nidhi’s three-wicket haul, and contributions from pacers Anaadi Tagde (2/12 in three overs) and Kumari Palak (2/7 in two overs), the host bundled out the Lankans for a paltry 77 with nine balls to spare. A major pain point for the losing side was the number of dot balls it played – 70 (almost 12 overs) as compared to India’s 42.

A fledgling captain and a Shane Warne fan

For Bhavika, this isn’t the first U-19 World Cup cycle. She was part of the Indian team which clinched the 2025 title, and even featured in four matches. However now, all of 18, she’s been handed the captaincy and certainly can be considered as one of the more senior players in the group.

“No, I don’t really have an inspiration when it comes to captaincy. I’m still getting used to it,” Bhavika answered. “Captaincy is an added responsibility but I keep it aside when I’m batting. The fact that our team has so many good players, and those who back each other, gives me confidence as well.”

The Maharashtra batter, who has seen one of her heroes Smriti Mandhana from up close at the Women’s Maharashtra Premier League, and wants to emulate another one of her inspirations, Virat Kohli, and his chasing prowess, also said the team’s preparation has gotten off to a good note.

“We’ve had U-19 camps at the COE (Centre of Excellence) and the team bonding has been great. Whatever I learnt from playing the World Cup last year, I’ve kept those points with me,” the wicketkeeper said.

Standing beside her was Nidhi, who was more than happy to bag the Player of the Match honour on her India debut.

“All of this is my first time experiencing the U-19 setup and the COE. It felt really good to wear the blue jersey and to play so well on my debut,” the Delhi Women’s Premier League 2025 Purple Cap winner said.

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Although she snared the three wickets on the day as a leg-spin bowler, Nidhi began her bowling journey as a medium pacer. “I’ve been bowling leg spin for the past two to three years, and have been a batter only for the past year or so. [On taking up batting and leg spin] I was told to take up batting, so I did. As for the leg spin, I was bowling it in the nets and one of our coaches noticed it was good.”

What also drew Nidhi towards leg spin was Australian legend Shane Warne. “I’ve watched Shane Warne’s bowling because my father showed me. I liked how much the ball would spin, the googlies, the variations. Since then, I’ve started trying it out.”

India next faces Sri Lanka on Wednesday, June 24, and the players would hope that the experience garnered through the local and State leagues continue to help them at the highest level.

Published on Jun 22, 2026