The final of the inaugural edition of the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup will be played between India and England on January 29 at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom, South Africa. The game will begin at 5.15 PM IST (1.45 PM LOCAL).
In 2017, India and England played the ICC Women’s World Cup finals, which England won by nine runs. Almost six years later, the U19 teams of both countries lock horns against each other in yet another grand finale. Can the U19 team of India settle scores and give India their first-ever ICC title in women’s cricket? Or will England U19 crush over a billion Indian hearts?
Squads
India: Shafali Verma (c), Shweta Sehrawat (vc), Richa Ghosh (wk), G Trisha, Soumya Tiwari, Sonia Mehdiya, Hurley Gala, Hrishita Basu (wk), Sonam Yadav, Mannat Kashyap, Archana Devi, Parshavi Chopra, Titas Sadhu, Falak Naz, Shabnam
England: Ellie Anderson, Hannah Baker, Josie Groves, Liberty Heap, Niamh Holland, Ryana MacDonald-Gay, Emma Marlow, Charis Pavely, Davina Perrin, Lizzie Scott, Grace Scrivens, Sophia Smale, Seren Smale, Alexa Stonehouse
Players to Watch
Shweta Sehrawat:
The swashbuckling right-handed opening batter of India Women’s U19 is the leading run-scorer in the tournament with 292 runs in six matches. The vice-captain of the side has struck three half-centuries and has remained unbeaten in four innings. She has a stellar strike rate of 141 and a breathtaking average of 146.
Parshavi Chopra:
The talented right-arm leg-spinner of India Women’s U19 has accounted for nine wickets in five fixtures, including the tournament-best figures of 5/4. In the semi-final against New Zealand Women’s U19, she scalped 20/3 and won the player of the match award. She has been effective in the middle overs and is an excellent fielder of her bowling. She can be a handy customer with the bat too.
Grace Scrivens:
The captain of England Women’s U19 has led from the front and is the second-highest run-getter in this tournament, with 289 runs in six matches. She has registered three half-centuries, including the best of 93. The left-handed opening batter has a healthy strike rate of 134 and averages 48.
Hannah Baker:
The wily right-arm leg-spinner of England Women’s U19 has claimed nine wickets in this competition in five matches, including the best of 9/3. She is one of the third-highest wicket-takers in the tournament. She has been one of the most economical bowlers giving away just 3.36 runs per over. She is the most successful bowler for her side.
Pitch
It will be the 15th and last game of the competition at this venue. Out of the 14 fixtures played here till January 28, the teams batting first and second have won seven each. The average first innings score is 132, and the average second innings score is 94. Expect the surface to be on the slower side, given the wear and tear it has undergone over the last two weeks. Spinners could play a key role.
Weather
The weather is expected to be partly sunny and hot. The maximum temperature attained during the day will be 35 degrees Celsius. There will be a 42 percent cloud cover and a two percent chance of rain. The wind will blow from the west.
Fantasy Playing XI
Seren Smale, Richa Ghosh, Shweta Sehrawat, Liberty Heap, Niamh Holland, Grace Scrivens, Shafali Verma, Ryana Macdonald-Gay, Parshavi Chopra, Hannah Baker, Mannat Kashyap
Match details
Date: January 29, 2023
Time: 5.15 PM IST (1.45 PM LOCAL)
Venue: Senwes Park, Potchefstroom, South Africa
Live streaming: Fan Code
I am a former cricketer having represented Mumbai University at All India University level. I was a part of MCA probables for the U-19 and U-23 age group. I have been an avid cricket writer for the last five years. Currently I am pursuing my Ph.D from IIT Bombay.
