India Reigns Supreme: Back-to-Back U19 T20 World Cup Titles Secured
03 FEB 2025
India outclassed South Africa in the final, wrapping up a flawless campaign with a dominant nine-wicket victory to retain their ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup crown.
PC: ICC Cricket
India continued their reign in the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup with a commanding performance in Kuala Lumpur, securing back-to-back titles by defeating South Africa by nine wickets. The defending champions maintained their dominance throughout the tournament and sealed their unbeaten campaign in style, chasing down a modest target with ease.
South Africa, after winning the toss, opted to bat first but found themselves in early trouble against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Parunika Sisodia struck in the opening over, removing Simone Lourens for a duck. Shabnam then delivered a crucial breakthrough, sending Jemma Botha back and reducing South Africa to 20/2 within four overs. Aayushi Sharma further tightened India’s grip, dismissing Diara Ramlakan and leaving South Africa at 29/3 by the end of the powerplay.
Captain Kayla Reyneke and Karabo Meso attempted to rebuild the innings, but their efforts were cut short as both fell in quick succession. Mieke van Voorst and Fay Cowling provided a brief resistance, putting together the highest partnership of the match with 30 runs, but India’s bowlers remained relentless. Wickets kept tumbling, and South Africa were eventually bowled out for just 82 runs. Gongadi Trisha led the attack with three wickets, while Aayushi Shukla delivered an exceptional spell, conceding only nine runs in her four overs, including two maidens. Parunika Sisodia, Vaishnavi Sharma, and Shabnam also made key contributions with the ball.
PC: ICC Cricket
Chasing 83, India got off to a flying start, racing to 18 in the first two overs and reaching 36 without loss by the fourth. The only moment of joy for South Africa came when Kayla Reyneke induced an error from Kamalini G, whose rash shot was brilliantly caught by Simone Lourens. That was the only breakthrough South Africa managed as Trisha Gongadi anchored the chase with an unbeaten 44 off 33 deliveries, striking eight boundaries along the way. She was well-supported by Sanika Chalke, who played a composed knock of 26 off 22 balls. The duo steered India home comfortably, wrapping up the chase in just 14 overs to lift the trophy once again.
Both teams had entered the final unbeaten, setting the stage for an exciting clash. South Africa had topped Group C with wins over New Zealand, Samoa, and Nigeria before advancing to the Super Six stage, where they defeated Ireland and shared points with the USA due to rain. They secured their place in the final with a five-wicket win over Australia in the semi-final. India, meanwhile, had dominated their group stage, defeating West Indies, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. They carried their momentum into the Super Six, registering wins over Bangladesh and Scotland, before outplaying England in the semi-final to extend their winning streak to six matches.
As the final moments unfolded, the celebration began. “Cup ah thookitom!” yelled G Kamalini into the mic, her face lighting up with sheer joy. For the wicketkeeper-batter from Tamil Nadu, this was more than just a victory. Growing up in Madurai, she had initially excelled in inline skating, with a collection of medals and trophies to her name. But her love for cricket took over when she was 11, inspired by watching her brother play. That passion led her to the biggest stage of junior cricket, and now, six years later, she stood as a world champion. Back home, her family must have been watching with pride as she celebrated with her teammates, basking in the moment of triumph.
India’s triumph in Kuala Lumpur cements their status as the powerhouse of women’s U19 cricket, showcasing not just their skill but also their dominance on the world stage. With a flawless campaign and a commanding victory in the final, they have once again set the benchmark for the next generation. As the celebrations continue, this victory will be remembered as another defining chapter in India’s growing legacy in women’s cricket.
