India Clinches Second Consecutive U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Title with Dominant Win Over South Africa
Kuala Lumpur, February 2 – Team India reaffirmed its dominance in women's cricket by clinching their second consecutive ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup title, defeating South Africa by nine wickets in a one-sided final on Sunday.
India chased down a modest target of 83 runs in just 11.2 overs, losing only one wicket, and became the first team to win the tournament without dropping a single match.
Trisha's All-Round Brilliance Secures Victory
Gongadi Trisha played a match-winning all-round performance, scoring an unbeaten 44 off 33 balls, while Sanika Chalke (26 off 22 balls)* supported her well in a 48-run unbroken partnership to seal the victory. Trisha also shined with the ball, claiming three wickets for just 15 runs.
With the ball, India was ruthless, bowling out South Africa for 82 in 20 overs. Along with Trisha’s three wickets, Parunika Sisodia (2/6), Ayushi Shukla (2/9), and Vaishnavi Sharma (2/23) dismantled the opposition’s batting lineup.
South Africa Struggles to Build Momentum
After winning the toss and opting to bat, South Africa faltered against India's disciplined bowling attack. Captain Kayla Reneke’s decision backfired as her team kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Miky Van Vuuren (23) was the highest scorer, but only four batters reached double digits, while four batters failed to open their accounts.
India's Steady Chase and Trisha’s Heroics
Chasing a below-par total, India started aggressively, with Trisha and G. Kamalini (8) adding 36 runs for the first wicket. Captain Kayla Reneke provided a breakthrough by dismissing Kamalini, but Trisha and Chalke ensured there were no further hiccups.
Trisha played eight boundaries in her innings, while Chalke hit four fours, with Chalke sealing the victory with a square-leg boundary. The Indian team erupted in celebrations, waving the national flag.
Dream Come True for Sanika Chalke
After hitting the winning shot, Sanika Chalke expressed her emotions:
"I have been dreaming of this moment for the past two years. I can't believe I hit the winning shot! It feels surreal. The support from my teammates made all the difference, and I will cherish this forever."
Bowling Performance Sets Up India's Triumph
India’s bowlers dictated the final from the start.
- Parunika Sisodia removed South Africa’s opener without scoring.
- Shabnam Shakil (1/7) took out Jemma Botha early, reducing South Africa to 20/2 in four overs.
- Ayushi Shukla cleaned up Diara Ramlakhan (3), further denting South Africa's chances.
- Captain Kayla Reneke (7) and Miky Van Vuuren tried to stabilize the innings, but Trisha struck again, stumping Van Vuuren and dismissing Reneke.
- South Africa lost their last five wickets for just eight runs.
- India’s Unbeaten Run in the Tournament
India dominated every match, defeating West Indies, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka in the group stage before overcoming Bangladesh and Scotland in the Super Six. They crushed England in the semi-final before their emphatic final victory over South Africa.
A Historic Feat
With this triumph, India etched its name in history as the first team to win the U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup twice in a row without losing a single match. The team’s all-around excellence and dominance throughout the tournament showcased the bright future of Indian women’s cricket.
