The ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup 2025, hosted in Malaysia from January 18 to February 2, promises to be a thrilling spectacle. The tournament features 16 teams divided into four groups, with India placed in Group A alongside Sri Lanka, West Indies, and hosts Malaysia.
India’s Journey in the Inaugural Edition (2023)
The first edition of the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup was held in South Africa in 2023, where India, under the captaincy of Shafali Verma, emerged as champions. In the final, India defeated England by seven wickets at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom, claiming their first-ever ICC title in women’s cricket.
Notable Performances in 2023:
- Shweta Sehrawat: The tournament’s leading run-scorer, amassing 297 runs at an astonishing average of 99 and a strike rate of 139.43.
- Parshavi Chopra: India’s standout bowler, claiming 11 wickets at an economy of 3.66, including her best figures of 4/5 against Sri Lanka.
India’s Qualification for the 2025 Edition
As one of the top 10 full-member teams from the inaugural edition, India secured direct qualification for the 2025 ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup.
Preparation: ACC Women’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2024
India’s preparations culminated in their victory at the inaugural ACC Women’s Under-19 Asia Cup in December 2024, held in Kuala Lumpur. India remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and clinched the title with a 41-run victory over Bangladesh in the final.
Key Performers in the Asia Cup:
- Gongadi Trisha: The tournament’s leading run-scorer with 159 runs, including two half-centuries.
- Parunika Sisodia: Took nine wickets, including a match-winning spell of 4/12 against Nepal.
India’s Squad for the 2025 World Cup
The Indian team, led by skipper Niki Prasad, boasts a blend of experience and emerging talent:
- Niki Prasad (Captain)
- Sanika Chalke
- G Trisha
- Kamalini G (Wicketkeeper)
- Bhavika Ahire
- Ishwari Awasare
- Mithila Vinod
- Joshitha VJ
- Sonam Yadav
- Parunika Sisodia
- Kesari Drithi
- Aayushi Shukla
- Anandita Kishor
- MD Shabnam
- Vaishnavi S
Notable Returnees from 2023:
- Gongadi Trisha: Third-highest run-scorer for India in the 2023 edition.
- Sonam Yadav: Played a key role with the ball in the inaugural tournament.
- Shabnam Shakil: Contributed in the 2023 edition
Key Players to Watch
- Sonam Yadav (Spinner):
- A standout performer in the Asia Cup, with eight wickets at an economy of 2.08, including a match-winning 4/6 against Pakistan.
- Aayushi Shukla (Spinner):
- Asia Cup’s leading wicket-taker with 10 wickets at an average of 5.40.
- G Kamalini (Wicketkeeper-Batter):
- Scored 85 runs in the Asia Cup, including a 44* off 29 balls against Pakistan.
- Mithila Vinod (All-Rounder):
- Contributed with both bat and ball in the Asia Cup.
Group Matches and Tournament Format
India’s group stage matches are as follows:
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 19, 2025 | West Indies | Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur | 12 PM |
| January 21, 2025 | Malaysia | Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur | 12 PM |
| January 23, 2025 | Sri Lanka | Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur | 12 PM |
The top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, followed by semi-finals on January 31 and the final on February 2, 2025.
Conclusion
India, with their balanced squad and impressive preparation, enter the 2025 ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup as strong contenders. Led by Niki Prasad, the team will look to build on their rich legacy and defend their title on Malaysian soil.
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