Sri Lanka stun Australia at U19WC 2025, Nigeria overcome Ireland challenge on final day of Super Six
Sri Lanka spoiled Australia's unbeaten run ahead of the semi-finals, while Nigeria held on to edge past Ireland in a close contest.
The final day of the U19 T20 World Cup 2025 Super Six stage unfolded in Kuala Lumpur. Nigeria took on Ireland with a chance to secure third place in Group 2 and managed to survive a late scare, clinching a narrow six-run victory.
In Group 1, Australia faced Sri Lanka, aiming to carry momentum into the semi-finals. After restricting Sri Lanka to 99 though, the Aussies were unable to chase down the total, only managing to score 87 and losing the match by 12 runs.
Here’s everything you need to know about the final day of Super Six action in Malaysia.
Nigeria end their incredible tournament with a win | U19WC2025
Nigeria beat Ireland by 6 runs
NIGERIA V IRELAND : MATCH CENTRE
Despite a slow start, Nigeria posted a tricky total of 94 in the early fixture after Niamh MacNulty won the toss and elected to bowl.
Losing key batter Victory Igbinedion in the first over and in the lurch at 18/3 inside five overs, Christabel Chukwuonye (25) led the rebuild with contributions from Omosigho Eguakun (17) and late flurries from Peculiar Agboya and Lilian Ude.
Kia McCartney was the pick of Ireland's bowlers, finishing with 2/13 from four overs.
Ireland suffered an early setback in their chase, losing a wicket in the first over, but Freya Sargent and Rebecca Lowe steadied the innings, guiding them to 30-2 by the end of the powerplay. However, regular wickets kept Nigeria in control despite some late resistance from Millie Spence and Kia McCartney.
Nigeria managed to withstand the late scare, bowling out Ireland for 88 to secure a narrow 6-run victory. Lillian Ude was the standout performer with figures of 3/11, while Peace Usen and Anointed Akhigbe chipped in with two wickets each. For her all-round contribution, including a crucial 12 off 11 with the bat, Ude was named Player of the Match.
With this victory, Nigeria secured third place in Super Six Group 2, while Ireland's defeat meant they couldn't surpass New Zealand, finishing at the bottom of the group.
Nigeria hold nerve in a thriller against Ireland | Match Highlights | U19WC 2025
Sri Lanka beat Australia by 12 runs
SRI LANKA V AUSTRALIA : MATCH CENTRE
Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat, aiming to finish their tournament with a victory. Openers Sanjana Kavindi and Sumudu Nisansala provided a solid start, guiding Sri Lanka to 36-0 by the end of the powerplay. However, Lily Bassingthwaighte broke the partnership before Tegan Williamson dismissed Kavindi, leaving Sri Lanka at 56-2 at the halfway mark.
From there, Australia maintained control, striking at regular intervals to prevent any major partnerships and restricting Sri Lanka to 99. Bassingthwaighte was the standout bowler, claiming three wickets, while Williamson and Hasrat Gill chipped in with two scalps each.
Australia stumbled in their run chase, losing three early wickets. Caoimhe Bray and Eleanor Larosa steadied the innings with a 41-run partnership, but the lower order couldn't see the chase through, as Australia fell short by 12 runs.
Chamudi Praboda starred with the ball for Sri Lanka, finishing with figures of 2/13, while Pramudi Methsara and Aseni Thalagune also impressed, claiming two wickets each. Limansa Thilakaratne was named Player of the Match for her bowling figures of 1/18 and a quick 6 off 6 with the bat.
It would take a nearly impossibly big margin of victory for Australia to steal top spot from India in Group 1, though momentum into the semi-final stage should be of utmost importance to Lucy Hamilton's side in their final Super Six outing.
Sri Lanka pull off a upset in their final match.| Match Highlights | U19WC2025