Rain washes out Team B fixtures on opening day as England, Ireland, USA, Pakistan U19 teams share points

It’s the opening day of the 2nd edition of the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup in Malaysia. A total of 16 teams divided into four groups will battle it out against each other for a spot in the Super Six stages of the tournament.

England led by skipper Abi Norgrove started things off in Group B alongside Ireland led by skipper Niamh MacNulty at Johor Cricket Academy Oval in the 2nd match of the opening day of the tournament. Pakistan led by skipper Komal Khan were up against USA led by skipper Anika Kolan in the 2nd match for Group B, the 5th match of the opening day of the tournament on 18th January 2025 (Saturday).

Rain plays spoilsport after England posts a competitive total against Ireland

Ireland skipper Niamh MacNulty won the toss and opted to field first at Johor Cricket Academy Oval. England posted a competitive total of 144/7 in their quota of 20 overs. The 40-run 6th wicket partnership between Charlotte Lambert and wicket-keeper batter Jemimah Spence was the highest partnership of the innings for England.

Wicket-keeper batter Jemima Spence (37* off 27 balls), Charlotte Stubbs (31 off 34 balls), Davina Perrin (26 off 19 balls), and Charlotte Lambert (25 off 14 balls) all managed fine starts with the bat for England. Ellie McGee (3-0-20-2), Kia McCartney (3-0-9-1), and Lara McBride (3-0-19-1) were the star performers with the ball for Ireland.

Chasing a target of 145, Ireland came out with a positive intent scoring at a rate of 7 runs an over despite losing a couple of wickets. The rains arrived when Ireland was at 28/2 in the 4th over of the run chase and the game was eventually called off. As a result, both sides shared a point each from their first game of the campaign.

Also Read: How Niki Prasad-led India U19 Women’s Team's Campaign Unfolded

Pakistan U19 vs United States of America U19 fixture washed out

The game between Pakistan and the United States of America was washed out without a toss due to persistent showers. As a result, both sides shared a point each in the first game of their campaign in the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup 2025 in Malaysia.