KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia: India successfully defended their Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup title with a dominant nine-wicket victory over South Africa in the final at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
Chasing a modest target of 83, India sealed the win in fashion, reaching 84 for one in just 11.2 overs. The victory marked India’s second consecutive title triumph, having won the first edition in 2023.
All-rounder Gongadi Trisha was the standout performer, delivering a stellar display with both bat and ball. She first played a key role with the ball, claiming 3/15 as India bundled out South Africa for a paltry 82 in 20 overs. She then anchored the chase with a fluent 44 not out off 33 balls, studded with eight boundaries.
Sanika Chalke provided solid support, remaining unbeaten on 26 off 22 balls. It was Chalke who hit the winning boundary.
Emotions on a high as India retain their #U19WorldCup title 🎆#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/Rh9DTDAupw
— ICC (@ICC) February 2, 2025
“I’ve dreamt of this moment for the past two years, and I can’t believe I hit the winning runs – it’s truly surreal. My teammates’ support made all the difference, and this moment is one I’ll cherish forever,” Chalke said after the match.
Congratulations to @BCCI on back-to-back @ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup titles. And kudos to all the participating teams who took part in this very successfully hosted tournament by @MalaysiaCricket – crucial to the global development of the women’s game #U19WorldCup. pic.twitter.com/8EOTVfTLCH
— ICC (@ICC) February 2, 2025
South Africa batting
Earlier, South Africa, led by captain Kayla Reyneke, opted to bat first but struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack.
Left-arm spinner Parunika Sisodia (2/6) made an early breakthrough, removing Simone Lourens for a duck. Right-arm seamer Shabnam Shakil (1/7) followed up by dismissing Jemma Botha, reducing South Africa to 20/2 inside four overs.
The Proteas never recovered from their poor start, with wickets falling at regular intervals. Mieke van Voorst top-scored with 23, while Fay Cowling contributed 15. However, their efforts were in vain as India’s bowlers kept the pressure on.
Aayushi Shukla was particularly impressive, returning figures of 2/9 from her four overs. Trisha’s three-wicket haul further dented South Africa’s chances, and the batting side collapsed from 58/5 to 82 all out, losing their last five wickets for just 24 runs.
India batting
India’s response with the bat was clinical. Openers Trisha and Kamalini G provided a steady start before Kamalini was dismissed for 8, leaving India at 36/1 in the fifth over. South Africa’s wayward bowling and sloppy fielding only made matters easier for the Indian batters.
Trisha took charge of the chase, timing her shots beautifully and finding the gaps with ease. Chalke, after a cautious start, grew in confidence and helped steer India home without any further hiccups.
All-round excellence when the stakes are high 🔥
Brilliance with the bat and ball crowns Trisha Gongadi the @aramco Player of the Match in the #U19WorldCup final 👏#SAvIND pic.twitter.com/tfHXoyC0Iv
— ICC (@ICC) February 2, 2025
India’s triumph capped off a flawless campaign, having won all their group-stage matches against the West Indies, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.
Their dominance continued in the Super Six stage with victories over Bangladesh and Scotland before an emphatic semi-final win against England.
