India U19 Squad Announced for the Inaugural ACC Women’s U19 Asia Cup

The Women’s Selection Committee has announced the India Under-19 squad for the inaugural edition of the ACC Women’s U19 Asia Cup. This historic tournament will take place at the picturesque Bayuemas Cricket Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The event promises to be a thrilling showcase of emerging talent from across Asia.

India U19 Squad: Full List of Players

The India U19 squad comprises a balanced mix of young talent and leadership, ready to make an impact on this prestigious platform. Here’s the complete list:

Niki Prasad (Captain), Sanika Chalke (Vice-captain), G Trisha, Kamalini G (WK), Bhavika Ahire (WK), Ishawari Awasare, Mithila Vinod, Joshitha VJ, Sonam Yadav, Parunika Sisodiya, Kesari Drithi, Aayushi Shukla, Anandita Kishor, MD Shabnam, Nandhana S

Niki Prasad displayed impressive leadership skills when she was in charge of the India B side in the recently concluded Under-19 Tri-angular series, involving India A, India B, and South Africa in Pune. The Niki Prasad-led India B were crowned as the champions of the Women’s Under-19 Tri-angular series. They were the only side to remain unbeaten throughout the series, topping the table with 16 points from four games. Sanika Chalke’s India A had contrasting fortunes as they remained winless in the series.

• Standbys: Hurley Gala, Happy Kumari, G Kavya Sree, Gayatri Survase
• Non-traveling Reserve: Prapti Raval

Tournament Format and India’s Group Placement

The tournament features two groups:

• Group A: India U19, Pakistan U19, Nepal U19
• Group B: Bangladesh U19, Sri Lanka U19, Malaysia U19 (hosts)

India U19 is placed in Group A, setting the stage for exciting matchups, particularly against arch-rivals Pakistan.

India’s Fixtures in the Group Stage

India U19 is set to kick off their campaign with two crucial group-stage matches:

1. India U19 vs. Pakistan U19: December 15, 2024
2. India U19 vs. Nepal U19: December 17, 2024

These matches are expected to test the mettle of the Indian squad and serve as a platform to showcase their skills.

Note: Wicket-keeper batter G Kamalini, skipper Niki Prasad, Mithila Vinod, Sanika Chalke, and G Trisha are some of the players to watch out for in the upcoming tournament.

Wicket-keeper batter G Kamalini who was representing India B, was the leading run-scorer of the recently concluded Women’s Under-19 Tri-angular series involving India A, India B, and South Africa, with 270 runs at an impressive strike rate of 125 and a mind-boggling average of 90 in five innings. Her tally of runs included three half-centuries, with a high score of 80 (61 balls) Vs India A.

A total of six teams namely, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and hosts Malaysia will be featured in the inaugural edition of the tournament. Nepal booked their spot in the inaugural edition by winning the 2025 Under-19 Women’s Asia Qualifier in November, earlier this year. The teams are divided into two groups, A and B. Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are placed alongside hosts Malaysia in Group A, while India, Nepal, and Pakistan form Group B.

The top two teams from each group will qualify for the Super Four. The top two teams after the conclusion of the Super Four stages of the tournament will be playing in the final on 22nd December 2024 from 11:30 AM IST.

About the ACC Women’s U19 Asia Cup

The ACC Women’s U19 Asia Cup aims to promote young women cricketers across the continent, offering them a platform to gain international exposure and experience. This tournament holds immense importance in nurturing the next generation of cricketing stars.

With India being one of the top contenders, the stakes are high as they vie for the inaugural title. The event also serves as a preparation ground for upcoming global tournaments, allowing players to gain vital competitive experience.

India’s Schedule: ACC Women’s U19 Asia Cup 2024

Note: Points and Net Run-rate (NRR) will be carried forward to the Super Four Stage. Following the conclusion of the Super Four Stage, the top two teams will play the Final.

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