In the 2025 Women’s U19 T20 World Cup, while Samoa’s opener was washed out and they lost their subsequent game, New Zealand has suffered consecutive defeats. Eying crucial points, the two teams will face off at Borneo Cricket Ground, Kuching, on the 22nd of January 2025, at 8:00 AM Indian Standard Time (IST).

Squads:
New Zealand women’s U19 cricket team
Tash Wakelin, Elizabeth Buchanan, Kate Chandler, Sophie Court, Hannah Francis, Kate Irwin, Rishika Jaswal, Louisa Kotkamp, Ayaan Lambat, Emma McLeod, Hannah O’Connor, Darcy-Rose Prasad, Anika Tauwhare, Anika Todd, Eve Wolland
Samoa women’s U19 cricket team
Avetia Fetu Mapu, Olive Lefaga Lemoe, Verra Farane, Angel Sootaga So, Norah-Jade Salima, Stefania Pauga, Jane Tali’ilagi Manase, Masina Tafea, Silepea Polataivao, Katrina Uiese Taa Samu, Stella Sagalala, Barbara Ella Keresoma, Apolonia K Polataivao, Selina Lilo, Sala Viliamu
Players to watch out:
Tash Wakelin
The 19-year-old all-rounder, in a couple of outings at the ongoing World Cup, has managed scores of 5 and 18, alongside returning bowling figures of 2/18 and 1/6. Tash was among the runs and wickets in the 2024-25 domestic games leading up to this campaign and can be relied upon to continue in that form, producing all-round efforts.
Rishika Jaswal
The 18-year-old leg-spinner, from 7 One Dayers in the 2024-25 domestic season, picked up 8 wickets at an economy rate of 4.03 and recorded the best of 2/16. Rishika, in her only outing in the ongoing World Cup, recorded figures of 1/21 (2) and should be backed to step up with improved efforts, leading the wickets tally for her side.
Verra Farane
The 18-year-old top-order batter in the East Asia Pacific qualifier last year amassed 196 runs at a strike rate of 144.12 from 6 outings, while also claiming 6 wickets. Though Verra departed for a duck in her only outing at the World Cup, it is hoped she rediscovers her form, notches up a big score, and can also be more than handy with the ball.
Olive Lefaga Lemoe
The 15-year-old all-rounder in the 2024 East Asia Pacific qualifier accumulated 62 runs from 6 outings, while also taking 7 wickets, averaging 10.71 and maintaining an economy rate of 3.12. Olivia has registered a score of 19 and recorded bowling figures of 0/7 (1) and 0/9 (1) in this campaign. She can be counted on for the goods.
Pitch:
The center wicket at Borneo Cricket Ground heavily favors the pacers, creating ideal conditions for bowling, as evidenced by the average score of 108. However, batters, once they settle in and find their rhythm, can accumulate runs effectively.
Weather:
The temperature is expected to hover around 27°C, with light winds and humidity of 88%. However, showers on the radar throughout the match duration could play spoilsport and potentially result in a washout.
Fantasy playing XI:
Darcy-Rose Prasad, Verra Farane, Tash Wakelin, Eve Wolland, Emma McLeod, Anika Todd, Ayaan Lambat, Olive Lefaga Lemoe, Rishika Jaswal, Jane Tali’ilagi Manase, Hannah O’Connor
Match details:
Date – January 22, 2025
Time – 8:00 AM IST
Venue – Borneo Cricket Ground, Kuching
Broadcast – In India, the game will be available for live stream on Jio Star.
Click here for the full list of broadcasters for the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2025

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