The ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup 2025 has reached its grand finale, where two unbeaten teams—India and South Africa—will battle for the coveted title. Both sides have displayed dominance throughout the tournament, setting the stage for an electrifying contest.
India, who finished atop Group A, carried their momentum into the Super Six stage, winning all five matches. They stormed into the final by defeating England by nine wickets in the semi-final. On the other hand, South Africa topped Group C and maintained their impeccable form in the Super Six stage as well, winning four out of five matches, with one game abandoned due to rain. They overcame Australia in the semi-final with a convincing five-wicket victory.
While South Africa eyes their maiden title, India is determined to defend their crown. The much-anticipated clash unfolds on February 2, 2025, at 12:00 PM IST at the picturesque Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur.
Squads:
India Women’s U19 Cricket Team:
Niki Prasad, Sanika Chalke, Gongadi Trisha, Kamalini G, Bhavika Ahire, Ishwari Awasare, Mithila Vinod, Joshitha VJ, Sonam Yadav, Parunika Sisodia, Kesari Drithi, Aayushi Shukla, Anandita Kishor, MD Shabnam, Vaishnavi S
South Africa Women’s U19 Cricket Team:
Kayla Reyneke, Jemma Botha, Fay Cowling, Jae-Leigh Filander, Mona-Lisa Legodi, Simoné Lourens, Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu, Nthabiseng Nini, Luyanda Nzuza, Diara Ramlakan, Diedré van Rensburg, Mieke van Voorst, Ashleigh van Wyk, Chanel Venter
Players to watch out:
G Kamalini:
The 16-year-old wicketkeeper-batter showcased her talent during the U19 Asia Cup. Her group-stage performances weren’t remarkable (16, 4, and 5*), and she had a slow start in the Super Six stage with 3 against Bangladesh. However, she bounced back in style with a brilliant 51 against Scotland and carried that momentum into the semi-final against England, where she remained unbeaten on 56*.
Parunika Sisodia:
Parunika was the joint second-highest wicket-taker in the recently concluded ACC Women’s Under-19 Asia Cup, finishing with nine wickets from five matches, including a stellar 4/12 against Nepal. She was India’s standout bowler in this tournament opener against West Indies, claiming 3/7, and continued her fine form with 2/7 against Sri Lanka, and 0/12 against Bangladesh. She shone in the semi-final against England, bagging 3/21 to claim the Player of the Match title.
Jemma Botha:
The 17-year-old opener has been getting starts but is yet to convert them into big scores. She recorded 32 (24) vs New Zealand, 6 (4)* vs Samoa, 10 (15) vs Nigeria*, 4 (4) vs Ireland, and 37 (24) vs Australia in the semi-final. South Africa will be banking on her to play a match-winning knock in the final.
Ashleigh van Wyk:
The 16-year-old bowler focused on restricting the run flow throughout the group stage and Super Six matches, returning economical figures of 0/6 (New Zealand), 0/1 (Samoa), 0/2 (Nigeria), and 0/5 (Ireland). However, she saved her best for the semi-final, where she dismantled Australia’s batting lineup with an impressive 4/17, earning the Player of the Match award.
Pitch:
The Bayuemas Oval offers a balanced surface, assisting both pacers and spinners. The average score hovers around 120, making it a challenging track for batters. Shot selection and technique will be key, while bowlers are expected to play a decisive role in shaping the outcome of the final.
Weather:
Fans can expect a cloudy day with temperatures around 33°C and humidity at 71%. There is a slight chance of rain, but a result is expected.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Jemma Botha, Simoné Lourens, Kayla Reyneke, Seshnie Naidu, Mona-Lisa Legodi, Gongadi Trisha, G Kamalini, Vaishnavi Sharma, Joshitha VJ, Parunika Sisodia, Aayushi Shukla
Match details:
Date: February 2, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM IST
Venue: Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur
Live Streaming: Watch live on Hotstar (India).
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