Ahead of the Under-19 Women’s T20 Asia Cup in December 2024 and the subsequent World Cup in January-February 2025, India’s preparations are in full swing. After a couple of domestic competitions, the selectors have finalized two India squads to face South Africa in a preparatory triangular series.
The Women’s U19 A and B squads will participate in a triangular series involving South Africa U19, featuring six league matches followed by a final on December 12, 2024. All matches of the series will take place at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune, starting on December 3, 2024.
The A team will be captained by the highly promising Sanika Chalke, who recently impressed with 108 runs at a strike rate of 134.04 from 4 outings in the U19 Challenger Trophy, while Gongadi Trisha will serve as her deputy. Notably, Gongadi, along with Hurley Gala, Sonam Yadav, and Shabnam Shakil, was part of the victorious 2023 U19 T20 World Cup squad. The bowling attack will be strengthened by Gayatri Survase and Happy Kumari, key wicket-takers in the U19 Challenger Trophy.
India Women U19 A Squad:
Sanika Chalke (C), G Trisha (VC), G Kavya Sree, Bhavika Ahire (WK), Joshitha VJ, Hurley Gala, Sasthi Mondal, Siddhi Sharma, Sonam Yadav, Gayatri Survase, Chandni Sharma, Happy Kumari, Shabnam, Bidisha Dey, Prapti Raval (WK)
The B squad will be captained by the familiar Niki Prasad, who emerged as the leading run-scorer in the U19 T20 Challenger Trophy, amassing 162 runs at a strike rate of 125.58 from 4 outings. Kamalini, another highly promising talent, has been named vice-captain and showcased her prowess in the U19 T20 Trophy, scoring 311 runs from 8 outings at an impressive average of 62.20 and a strike rate of 123.90. Ishwari Awasare, the leading run-scorer of the U19 T20 Trophy, further boosts the team’s batting unit.
Parshavi Chopra, who impressed during the inaugural U19 T20 World Cup and subsequently secured a Women’s Premier League gig, has earned a second opportunity to represent India at the U19 World Cup. She will be supported by the talented Parunika Sisodiya, who had a standout domestic season last year and has continued to build on her impressive performances this season.
India Women U19 B Squad:
Niki Prasad (C), Kamalini G (WK, VC), Mahanti Shree, Ishwari Awasare, Mithila Vinod, Aayushi Shukla, Kesari Drithi, Parunika Sisodiya, Vaishnavi Sharma, Parshavi Chopra, Nandhana S, Anaadi Tagde, Anandita Kishor, Supriya Arela, Bharti Upadhyay (WK)
India A, India B, South Africa Under-19 Triangular Series Schedule:
December 3 – India A v South Africa
December 4 – India B v South Africa
December 6 – India A v India B
December 7 – India A v South Africa
December 9 – India B v South Africa
December 10 – India A v India B
December 12 – Final
Following the triangular series, a squad selected from this talented pool will travel to Malaysia for the inaugural U19 T20 Asia Cup. India will kick off their campaign against Pakistan on December 15, followed by a group-stage clash against Nepal on December 17 in the single round-robin format.
As defending champions, India will also enter the 2025 U19 T20 World Cup with high expectations. Placed in Group A alongside hosts Malaysia, the West Indies, and Sri Lanka, the team will aim to replicate their success and defend their title, carrying the hopes of a nation into another exciting tournament.
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