India secured their second consecutive ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup title with a commanding nine-wicket win over South Africa in the final at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. The victory marked a flawless display of both batting and bowling, as the Indian team triumphed with ease after restricting South Africa to a modest total.
South Africa, after winning the toss and choosing to bat first, found themselves under pressure early. India’s bowlers were relentless from the outset. Gongadi Trisha led the charge with a brilliant bowling performance, taking 3 wickets for 15 runs. South Africa lost early wickets and struggled to build partnerships, with India’s bowlers consistently maintaining tight lines and lengths.
By the end of the 13th over, South Africa was in deep trouble at 45/5. Captain Kayla Reyneke and wicketkeeper Karabo Meso attempted to steady the innings, but the pressure from India’s bowlers continued to mount. Trisha dismissed Meso, and Reyneke soon followed, leaving South Africa at 45/7. Despite a late fight from Mieke van Voorst, who struck a few boundaries, India’s bowlers ensured South Africa were bowled out for just 82 runs in 20 overs. The final wicket fell off the last ball of the innings, completing a clinical performance.
In response, India made light work of the chase. Openers Gongadi Trisha and Kamalini Gunalan put on 36 runs for the first wicket, setting the tone for the chase. Trisha was in sublime form, scoring 44 not out from 33 balls, and continued to punish the South African bowlers. Gunalan was dismissed for 18, but Trisha found strong support in Sanika Chalke. Together, they ensured the required runs came at a steady pace, bringing India closer to the target.
With 12 runs needed off the final 10 overs, India accelerated the chase. Chalke, in particular, played some key strokes, including a boundary in the 11th over. She sealed the victory with another boundary in the 12th over, as India chased down the target in just 12.1 overs.
This win was a culmination of India’s dominance throughout the tournament. They remained unbeaten, having won all their group-stage matches, including against West Indies, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. In the Super Six, India comfortably defeated Bangladesh and Scotland, and in the semifinals, they cruised past England with ease.
Trisha’s all-round performance was the highlight of the final, as she not only top-scored with the bat but also played a key role with the ball. Her contributions throughout the tournament helped India stay on top, and she was crucial in the decisive moments of the final.
For South Africa, despite a strong bowling effort from their captain Kayla Reyneke, who took 2 wickets in the final, the total was always going to be challenging to defend. India’s batters were calm and clinical in the chase, making it a comfortable win for the defending champions.
India’s triumph marks their second consecutive U19 Women’s T20 World Cup title, following their victory in the inaugural edition in 2023. Their exceptional all-round performance across the tournament has solidified their status as the dominant force in women’s youth cricket.
