Zafar Iqbal
India’s Dominance in the Final
India’s U19 women’s cricket team achieved a historic milestone by securing their second consecutive U19 Women’s T20 World Cup title. Facing South Africa in the final at Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur, India delivered a commanding performance, winning the match by nine wickets.
Chasing a modest target of 83 runs, India’s top-order batters ensured an easy victory in just 11.2 overs. Gongadi Trisha, the tournament’s standout performer, played a match-winning knock of 44 runs, remaining unbeaten to steer India to glory.
India’s Bowling Brilliance Restricts South Africa to 82
The foundation of India’s victory was laid by their exceptional bowling attack. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, the Indian bowlers dominated from the start. South Africa was bundled out for just 82 runs in 20 overs.
Key highlights from India’s bowling performance:
- Trisha Gongadi: 3 wickets
- Parunika Sisodia, Aayushi Shukla, and Vaishnavi Sharma: 2 wickets each
- Shabnam: 1 wicket
South Africa struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack. Jemma Botha and Mieke van Voorst were the only players to show some resistance, but the rest of the lineup failed under pressure.
Gongadi Trisha Leads India to Victory
Despite losing Kamalini G early, India’s chase remained smooth. Sanika Chalke, who hit the winning runs, played a crucial supporting role alongside Gongadi Trisha, ensuring India reached the target without any hiccups.
South Africa’s bowling effort was led by captain Kayla Reyneke, who managed to take the only wicket of the innings. However, the low total left them with little room to challenge India’s strong batting lineup.
India’s Journey to the Final
India’s campaign in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 has been nothing short of dominant. From the group stages to the final, they exhibited superior skills and teamwork. Here are some key victories that defined their journey:
- Defeated West Indies, Malaysia, and Bangladesh within 5, 3, and 8 overs respectively.
- Crushed Scotland by 150 runs to secure a semifinal spot.
- Outplayed England in the semifinals, chasing a target of 113 in just 15 overs.
The team, led by Niki Prasad, demonstrated exceptional discipline in both batting and bowling, making them the undisputed champions of the tournament.
South Africa’s Resilient Campaign
Despite their loss in the final, South Africa U19 Women’s team had an impressive run in the tournament. Led by Kayla Reyneke, they had a strong pace attack and showed resilience throughout the competition. Their victory over Australia in the semifinals was a testament to their talent and determination.
However, in the final, they struggled against India’s well-rounded attack, and their batting lineup couldn’t handle the pressure of the big stage.
Player Reactions After the Victory
After securing the championship, Indian players expressed their joy and gratitude:
- Sanika Chalke: “This is a surreal moment. I’ve dreamt of this for years, and I’m thrilled to have played a role in the team’s victory.”
- Trisha Gongadi: “Winning the title again is special. It was a great team effort, and I’m happy to contribute.”
- Vaishnavi Sharma & Aayushi Shukla: “The hard work we put in has paid off. This win means everything to us.”
Match Specifications Table
| Category | Details |
| Match | India vs South Africa, U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 Final |
| Venue | Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur |
| Toss | India won, elected to bowl |
| South Africa’s Score | 82/10 (20 overs) |
| India’s Score | 83/1 (11.2 overs) |
| Top Scorer (India) | Gongadi Trisha – 44* |
| Top Scorer (South Africa) | Jemma Botha – 20 |
| Best Bowler (India) | Trisha Gongadi – 3 wickets |
| Best Bowler (South Africa) | Kayla Reyneke – 1 wicket |
| Result | India won by 9 wickets |
| Title Wins | 2nd Consecutive U19 Women’s T20 World Cup |
Conclusion: A Historic Triumph for India
India’s U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 victory cements their place as the top team in women’s junior cricket. Their incredible performances throughout the tournament, both with the bat and ball, highlight the depth of talent in Indian women’s cricket.
While South Africa fell short in the final, they can take pride in their spirited performance throughout the tournament. The future looks bright for women’s cricket, with young talents emerging to take the sport to greater heights.
For India, this victory not only marks a significant achievement but also serves as a stepping stone for these young players as they aim for success at the senior level.
