India clinches back‑to‑back U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur

When Gongadi Trisha, captain of India's U19 women's cricket team lifted the trophy at Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur, on February 2, 2025, it was clear India had done something special – they retained the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup for the second time in a row.

Road to the Final

The tournament kicked off on January 18, 2025, with sixteen nations gathered across Malaysia’s cricket venues. From day one, India looked the part of a favourite. Their opening match against Scotland produced a jaw‑dropping 208/1 in just 20 overs, a total that still makes analysts grin when they scroll through the scorecards. Aayushi Shukla decimated the Scots, snaring four wickets for eight runs, while Trisha’s 44‑run blitz set the tone.

South Africa, on the other hand, had been the surprise package of the group stage. After a shaky start, they rallied to the semi‑finals, edging past England in a rain‑shortened chase. Their journey to the final was a testament to the growing depth of women's cricket in the African nation.

The Final Showdown

South Africa won the toss and chose to bat – a decision that would soon look ill‑advised. Opening batter Simone Lourens fell for a duck to Parunika Sisodia, and by the end of the powerplay the hosts were wobbling at 20/2. The South African captain, Kayla Reyneke, tried to steady the ship with a brief partnership, but wickets kept falling.

When the final wicket fell, the score read 82 all out in 20 overs. India’s chase was a masterclass in efficiency. Trisha, who had already taken three wickets for 15 runs, smashed 44 not out, while her opening partner G Kamalini added a slick 30‑run cameo. The required run‑rate never rose above 7.5, and the target was reached in just 11.2 overs with nine wickets in hand.

“This victory is a testament to our team’s hard work and belief,” Trisha said in the post‑match interview, still beaming. It wasn’t just the win; it was the personal milestones – Trisha finished as the tournament’s top run‑scorer and, back on January 29, etched her name in history with a 110* against Scotland, the first ever century in an U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

Reactions and Quotes

India’s head coach, Amita Dhaundiyal, praised the squad’s balance. “We built a side that could win with both bat and ball. The girls showed maturity beyond their years, especially in high‑pressure moments.”

South Africa’s coach, Dinesh Chetty, was gracious in defeat. “We’ve come a long way since 2023. Making the final is a huge step, and these young women have set a new benchmark for cricket back home.”

The tournament’s referee, former Australian all‑rounder David Boon, commended the overall standard. “The skill level we’re seeing in the women’s junior ranks is remarkable. This final was a showcase of that growth.”

Impact on Women’s Cricket

India’s back‑to‑back triumph cements the nation’s dominance in youth women’s cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has earmarked additional funding for grassroots programs, hoping the pipeline continues to feed talent into the senior side.

South Africa’s performance, meanwhile, signals a shift. Cricket South Africa (Cricket South Africa) announced plans to expand its high‑performance academy, citing the final appearance as proof that investment is paying off.

On a global scale, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has highlighted the tournament as a milestone in its “Women’s Cricket for All” agenda. The viewership numbers, especially in South Asia and Africa, surpassed expectations, prompting discussions about adding a senior women’s T20 World Cup slot in the next cricket calendar.

Looking Ahead

The next edition of the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup is slated for 2027, with host nation yet to be decided. If the 2025 event is any indication, the competition will continue to grow in intensity and stature.

For Trisha and her teammates, the challenge now is to translate junior success into senior glory. The senior Indian women’s team, fresh from a tough series against England, will likely integrate a few of these stars, giving them a fast‑track to the highest level.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s young guns will return home with invaluable experience. Their coach hinted at a possible revamp of the domestic women’s league, aiming to give players more exposure to high‑pressure scenarios.

• Final score: India 83/1 (11.2 overs) vs South Africa 82 all out (20 overs)
• Top performer: Gongadi Trisha – 44* runs, 3/15 bowling figures
• Historic century: Trisha’s 110* vs Scotland – first ever in the competition
• Venue: Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Dates: Tournament ran from Jan 18 to Feb 2, 2025