India successfully defends its ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup Title
Sport
4 min read
The Indian women's U19 cricket team demolished South Africa by nine wickets in the final of the 2nd ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup to retain their title, which was won two years back in South Africa. The final of the tournament was played on 2 February 2025 at the Bayuemas Cricket Oval, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.
This was the major title win for the Niki Prasad-led Indian team, having won the inaugural Asian Cricket Council Women's U19 Asia Cup 2024 Title in Malaysia in December 2024.
The 2nd ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, organised by the International Cricket Council (ICC) was held in Malaysia from 18 January to 2 February 2025.
.All round performance of Gongadi Trisha secures India's second title win
All-rounder Gongadi Trisha was the star performer for the Indian team in the whole tournament and she continued her fine form into the final. She took 3 wickets for 15 runs and scored 44 not out to help her team win the title for the second time.
In the final match, the South African Captain Kayla Reyneke won the toss and decided to bat first.
However, her decision backfired as the South African team was all-out for 82 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
Mieke van Voorst was the top scorer for South Africa with 23 runs.
Gongadi Trisha was the main wicket-taker for the Indian team, with a match haul of 3/15 runs.
Chasing a modest target of 83 runs, the Indian team scored the necessary runs for the loss of one wicket in the 12th over.
Gongadi Trisha continued her outstanding form, and scored an unbeaten 44 off 33 balls, including eight fours. She was well-supported by Sanika Chalke, who made 26 runs in 22 balls.
Path to the final
Both India and South Africa were unbeaten teams, coming into the finals.
The defending champion India which was placed in group A won all their group-stage matches against West Indies, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. The Indian team in the Super Six stage easily defeated Bangladesh and Scotland.
In the semi-final, the Indian women's team defeated England to book their place in the final.
South Africa dominated Group C by defeating New Zealand, Samoa, and Nigeria. In the Super Six stage South African team defeated Ireland and their match with the USA ended in a draw due to the match being washed out due to rain.
In the semi-finals, the South African team defeated Australia to set up a title clash with India.
Award Winners
Player of the Match of the Finals.- Gongadi Trisha of India
Player of the Tournament - Gongadi Trisha of India
Also Read: India wins inaugural ACC Women's U19 Asia Cup 2024 title
