India’s Under-19 women’s cricket team has successfully defended their ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup title with a commanding nine-wicket win over South Africa in the final on February 2.
The young stars delivered a flawless performance, restricting South Africa to a mere 82 runs before chasing down the target in just 11.2 overs. Trisha Gongadi led the charge with an unbeaten 40 off 31 balls, while India’s bowlers once again showcased their brilliance.
The road to the final was a testament to India’s dominance throughout the tournament in Malaysia. Coached by Dhruv Gupta and led by Bengaluru’s Niki Prasad, India’s squad included Vaishnavi Sharma, Sanika Chalke, Trisha Gongadi, Kamalini G, Bhavika Ahire, Ishwari Awasare, Mithila Vinod, Joshitha VJ, Sonam Yadav, Parunika Sisodiya, Kesari Drithi, Aayushi Shukla, Anandita Kishor, and MD Shabnam.
India was named in Group A along with West Indies, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka for the group stage and won all matches dominantly.
The tournament began on January 18 across four venues: Bayuemas Oval, Johor Cricket Academy Oval, UKM-YSD Cricket Oval, and Borneo Cricket Ground, featuring 16 teams in a format where the top three teams from each of the four groups qualified for the Super Six, followed by the knockouts.
India’s campaign started with an emphatic win over West Indies, where they bowled them out for just 44 runs and chased the target with 94 balls remaining. The second match saw Vaishnavi Sharma write her name in the record books with the first hat-trick of the U-19 World Cup, finishing with figures of 5/5 as Malaysia was bundled out for 31, making India’s chase effortless.
Sri Lanka posed some resistance in the third match, where India struggled but managed to reach 118/9 in 20 overs, thanks to Trisha Gongadi’s 49(44). However, India’s bowlers once again stepped up, dismissing Sri Lanka for just 58 runs.
India advanced to the Super Six alongside West Indies and Sri Lanka. They were set to face Bangladesh and Scotland.
On Republic Day, India secured a semifinal spot with a convincing win over Bangladesh, restricting them to 64/8 in 20 overs. Vaishnavi Sharma impressed again, taking three wickets, earning consecutive Player of the Match awards, and becoming the joint-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. She credited her success to the opening bowlers, saying, “Credit to the opening bowlers for making the spinner’s job easier. It didn’t turn as much today, so I just attacked the stumps.”
Trisha Gongadi ensured India’s smooth chase with her unbeaten 40(31), as the team moved just two wins away from lifting the trophy again.
Captain Niki Prasad expressed confidence in the team’s momentum, saying, “We’ve been doing really well, and I am sure they will continue the same way. We aim to give our best and keep evolving and getting better and better.”
India’s U-19 women’s team displayed sheer dominance in the semifinal against New Zealand, securing a convincing victory. Bowling first, India’s disciplined attack restricted New Zealand to a modest total, with spinners playing a crucial role in stifling the opposition’s batting lineup.
The bowlers, led by Parshavi Chopra, kept the pressure on, picking up crucial wickets at regular intervals. Chasing the target, India’s top order played with confidence and composure.
Sanika Chalke anchored the innings with a fluent knock, while skipper Gongadi Trisha provided an aggressive start. Their partnerships ensured a smooth chase, and India comfortably crossed the finish line with several overs to spare.
This comprehensive win secured India’s place in the historic final, setting the stage for their ultimate triumph.
With their unwavering teamwork, strategic brilliance, and relentless determination, India’s U-19 women’s team created history, successfully defending their title and proving their dominance on the global stage.
