India finished the ICC Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup in just the same style they had demonstrated all the way along - with confidence and brilliance as they took South Africa apart in the final and won by nine wickets.
It means they keep the trophy they won two years ago.
South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first but struggled against India’s bowlers throughout the innings. Parunika Sisodia made an early impact, dismissing opener Simone Lourens for a duck, while Shabnam followed with the vital wicket of the dangerous Jemma Botha, leaving South Africa at 20/2 by the end of the fourth over.
Aayushi Sharma added to the pressure, removing Diara Ramlakan and reducing South Africa to 29/3 by the end of the PowerPlay. A brief partnership between captain Kayla Reyneke and Karabo Meso steadied the innings but both were dismissed in consecutive overs.
Mieke van Voorst and Fay Cowling put on 30 runs - the largest partnership of the match - before falling to back-to-back deliveries. India’s bowlers continued to dominate, bowling out South Africa for just 82 runs.
Gongadi Trisha took three wickets but Aayushi Shukla was the standout bowler, claiming 2/9, including two maidens. Parunika Sisodia, Vaishnavi Sharma and Shabnam each contributed with two and one wicket, respectively.
India began their chase with a blazing start, racing to 18 without loss in the first two overs and maintaining their momentum to reach 36/0 by the end of four overs. South Africa found their only breakthrough soon after, as Reyneke forced Kamalini G into a rash shot, which was brilliantly caught by Lourens.
However, that was the only bright moment for South Africa’s bowling attack. Trisha Gongadi continued her outstanding form, scoring an unbeaten 44 off 33 balls, including eight fours. She was well-supported by Sanika Chalke, who contributed 26 off 22 deliveries. The duo guided India comfortably across the finish line, securing a commanding nine-wicket victory and claiming the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2025 title.
Both teams had been unbeaten coming into the final, meaning the showdown was hotly anticipated.
South Africa dominated Group C with victories over New Zealand, Samoa and Nigeria, carrying four crucial points into the Super Six stage. They continued their strong run by defeating Ireland before sharing points with the USA due to a rain-abandoned match. In the semi-final, Reyneke’s side secured a five-wicket win over Australia to book their place in the final.
Defending champions India also enjoyed an unbeaten campaign, winning all their group-stage matches against West Indies, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. They continued their momentum in the Super Six, overcoming Bangladesh and Scotland. With a spot in the final at stake, India delivered a commanding performance against England, extending their winning streak to six games.
Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has sent their congratulates to the team for finishing as runners-upin Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
Reyneke’s team made history by reaching their first-ever World Cup final, where they suffered a nine-wicket defeat to defending champions India at the Bayuemas Oval in the Malaysian capital.
“Congratulations to the captain Kayla Reyneke, head coach Dinesha Devnarain, and the entire team and support staff on this magnificent achievement,” said CSA Chief Executive Officer Pholetsi Moseki. “You have made the nation proud.
“We are especially delighted with the resilience and character the team displayed throughout the tournament. Reaching the final unbeaten is a monumental feat that speaks volumes about their skill and their passion.
“It is also a significant moment for women’s cricket in South Africa, as it shows that the future of the sport is incredibly bright. We look forward to seeing how they continue to build on this success in the years to come.”
South Africa U19 Women Squad
Kayla Reyneke (Captain, Western Province), Jemma Botha (Western Province), Fay Cowling (Lions), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Mona-Lisa Legodi (Titans), Simoné Lourens (Titans), Karabo Meso (Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Dolphins), Nthabiseng Nini (Dragons), Luyanda Nzuza (Free State), Diara Ramlakan (Lions), Diedré van Rensburg (Dragons), Mieke van Voorst (Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Storm), Chanel Venter (Titans).
Non-travelling Reserves
Lethabo Bidli (Lions), Keamogetswe Chuene (Lions), Jenna-Lee Lubbe (Lions), Jané Verhage (Titans), Sinelethu Yaso (Western Province).
Management
Dinesha Devnarain (Head Coach), Marcia Letsoalo (Team Manager), PJ Jansen (Batting Coach), Angelique Taai (Bowling Coach), Trisha Chetty (Fielding Coach), Adele van Eck (High-Performance Analyst), Dr Dhavina Naidoo (Team Doctor), Esther Bhengu (Physiotherapist), Stacey-Lee Hercules (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Terrence Adonis (Educator), Alungile Nyakambi (Media Specialist).
SA U19 Women Group Fixtures
Saturday, 18 January @ 8.30am SAST - 1st Match: New Zealand v South Africa (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak) – South Africa won by 22 runs (DLS Method).
Monday, 20 January @ 8.30am SAST - 2nd Match: South Africa v Samoa (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak) – South Africa won by 10 wickets.
Wednesday, 22 January @ 8.30am SAST - 3rd Match: South Africa v Nigeria (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak) – South Africa won by 41 runs (DLS Method).
Super Six Stage
Saturday @ 8.30am SAST- South Africa v Ireland (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak) – South Africa won by seven wickets.
Tuesday @ 4.30am SAST- South Africa v USA (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak) – Match abandoned.
Semi-finals
Friday @ 4.30am SAST - South Africa v Australia (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur) – South Africa won by five wickets
Friday @ 8.30am SAST - India v England (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur) – India won by nine wickets
Final
Sunday @ 8.30am SAST - South Africa v India (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur) – India won by nine wickets
Commentaires