India delivered a commanding performance to secure their second consecutive ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup title, defeating South Africa by nine wickets in the final held in Kuala Lumpur on February 2, 2025.
This victory not only highlights India’s dominance in women’s cricket but also underscores their consistent excellence at the U19 level.
Match Overview
The final match took place at the Bayuemas Oval, where South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first. However, they struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.
South Africa managed to post a total of 87 runs, with standout performances from Jemma Botha (24 runs) and Kayla Reyneke (22 runs).
The Indian bowlers were relentless, with Vaishnavi Sharma taking 3 wickets for 12 runs, while Ishwari Awsare and Mithila Vinod chipped in with two wickets each, effectively dismantling the South African batting lineup.
In response, India chased down the target with ease, scoring 90 runs for the loss of just one wicket. The opening pair of Gongadi Trisha and Sanika Chalke set a solid foundation, with Trisha scoring an impressive 45 runs off 30 balls.
Captain Niki Prasad contributed significantly as well, remaining unbeaten on 30 runs, guiding her team to victory in just 11 overs.
Tournament Journey
Consistent performances throughout the tournament marked India’s path to the final. They dominated their group stage matches against West Indies, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, winning each by substantial margins.
India continued their impressive form in the Super Six stage by defeating Bangladesh and Scotland before overcoming England in the semifinals.
South Africa also had a strong tournament run, topping Group C with victories over New Zealand, Samoa, and Nigeria. They faced challenges in the Super Six but managed to secure their place in the final after defeating Australia in a tense semifinal match.
Key Players
- Vaishnavi Sharma (India): Her exceptional bowling figures of 3/12 played a crucial role in restricting South Africa’s score.
- Gongadi Trisha (India): With her aggressive batting at the top of the order, she set the tone for India’s successful chase.
- Kayla Reyneke (South Africa): Despite her team’s loss, she was pivotal throughout the tournament as both a captain and a key player.
