The inaugural edition of the ACC Women’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2024 kicked off with thrilling action in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In the tournament opener, Sri Lanka registered a commanding 94-run victory over hosts Malaysia. However, the spotlight was on the highly anticipated clash between arch-rivals India U19 and Pakistan U19 in Match 2.
Led by skipper Niki Prasad, India U19 secured a resounding 9-wicket victory, thanks to an extraordinary bowling performance by Sonam Yadav, who claimed a four-wicket haul, and a brilliant batting display from G Kamalini.
Match Overview: India U19 vs. Pakistan U19
Pakistan U19’s Struggles with the Bat
Pakistan U19, led by skipper Zoofishan Ayyaz, opted to bat first after winning the toss at the Bayuemas Oval. However, their decision backfired as Indian U19 spinners dominated from the outset, restricting Pakistan U19 to 67/7 in their allotted 20 overs.
The Indian U19 bowlers maintained relentless pressure, picking up wickets at regular intervals and choking the run flow. The 2nd-wicket partnership of 17 runs between Maham Anees and wicket-keeper batter Komal Khan was the highest stand of the innings.
- Top Performers for Pakistan U19:
- Komal Khan (24 off 32 balls): The only batter to show resistance against the Indian U19 bowlers.
- Fatima Khan (11 off 18 balls): The only other batter to reach double digits.
India U19’s Bowlers Dominate
India U19’s bowling unit, spearheaded by Sonam Yadav, delivered a clinical performance. Yadav’s exceptional figures of 4-1-6-4 dismantled Pakistan U19’s lineup, ensuring they never gained momentum.
- Bowling Highlights:
- Sonam Yadav: 4 overs, 1 maiden, 6 runs, 4 wickets.
- Shabnam Shakil: 4 overs, 8 runs, no wickets but highly economical.
- VJ Joshitha: 4 overs, 13 runs, 1 wicket.
- Parunika Sisodia: 4 overs, 17 runs, 1 wicket.
- Mithila Vinod: 3 overs, 15 runs, 1 wicket.
This disciplined bowling effort ensured that Pakistan U19 crawled to a modest total of 67/7.
India U19’s Clinical Chase
Chasing a target of 68, India U19 faced an early hiccup when Fatima Khan dismissed opener Gongadi Trisha on the second ball of the innings. However, any hopes Pakistan U19 had of defending their low total were quickly extinguished by a composed and aggressive partnership between G Kamalini and Sanika Chalke.
- Key Contributions in the Chase:
- G Kamalini: 44* off 29 balls, including 6 fours and 1 six. Her quickfire knock earned her the Player of the Match award.
- Sanika Chalke: 19* off 17 balls, providing steady support at the other end.
The duo’s unbeaten 68-run partnership ensured India U19 completed the chase with 73 balls to spare.
- Fatima Khan’s Bowling for Pakistan U19:
- 3 overs, 22 runs, 1 wicket. Despite her efforts, she lacked support from her teammates.
Scorecard Summary: India U19 vs. Pakistan U19
| Team | Runs Scored | Overs | Top Performer | Best Bowling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan U19 | 67/7 | 20 | Komal Khan (24 off 32 balls) | Sonam Yadav (4-1-6-4) |
| India U19 | 68/1 | 7.5 | G Kamalini (44* off 29 balls) | Fatima Khan (3-0-22-1) |
Key Takeaways from the Match
1. Sonam Yadav’s Match-Winning Spell
Sonam Yadav’s sensational 4-wicket haul broke Pakistan U19’s backbone, ensuring they never got a foothold in the match. Her ability to extract turn and maintain a tight line and length made her the standout performer.
2. G Kamalini’s Commanding Knock
The wicket-keeper batter showcased her maturity and aggressive strokeplay, guiding India U19 to a comfortable win. Her unbeaten 44-run knock highlighted her potential as a future star for Indian cricket.
3. A Team Effort
From economical bowling to efficient batting, India U19’s all-round performance highlighted their dominance over Pakistan U19. The young team displayed composure, skill, and hunger, setting a high standard for the rest of the tournament.
Player of the Match: G Kamalini
G Kamalini was awarded the Player of the Match for her outstanding batting performance. Her unbeaten 44 off 29 balls was instrumental in India U19’s commanding victory.
Group Stage Standings After Day 1
| Team | Matches Played | Wins | Losses | Points | Net Run Rate (NRR) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India U19 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +5.78 |
| Sri Lanka U19 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | +4.70 |
| Pakistan U19 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -5.78 |
| Malaysia U19 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | -4.70 |
What’s Next for India U19 Women’s Team?
India U19’s emphatic victory over Pakistan U19 has given them a dream start to their campaign in the ACC Women’s Under-19 Asia Cup 2024. With confidence running high, they will look to maintain their momentum in the upcoming matches.
Their next challenge will be against Sri Lanka U19, who also secured a comprehensive win on Day 1. The clash promises to be an exciting contest as both teams vie for group stage supremacy.
FAQs
1. Who was the Player of the Match in the India U19 vs. Pakistan U19 match?
G Kamalini was awarded the Player of the Match for her unbeaten 44-run knock, guiding India U19 to victory.
2. What were Sonam Yadav’s bowling figures?
Sonam Yadav delivered an exceptional spell with figures of 4-1-6-4.
3. How many runs did Pakistan U19 score in their innings?
Pakistan U19 managed to score 67/7 in their 20 overs.
4. Who were the standout performers for India U19?
- Sonam Yadav: 4 wickets for 6 runs.
- G Kamalini: 44* off 29 balls.
- Sanika Chalke: 19* off 17 balls.
5. When is India U19’s next match in the ACC Women’s U-19 Asia Cup 2024?
India U19’s next match is against Sri Lanka U19 in the group stage.
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