India clinch ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup title

India’s U19 women’s team delivered a dominant performance to defeat South Africa and win their second straight ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup title at the Bayuemas Oval on Sunday.  

All-rounder Gongadi Trisha played a key role in India’s victory, taking 3/15 with the ball before scoring an unbeaten 44 runs to guide her team to a comfortable chase.

South Africa, after choosing to bat first, struggled against India’s disciplined bowling attack. They were bowled out for just 82 runs in their 20 overs. Mieke van Voorst was the top scorer with 23 off 18 balls, while Jemma Botha (16), Fay Cowling (15), and Karabo Meso (10) were the only others to reach double figures.  

Trisha was the standout bowler with three wickets, while Parunika Sisodia, Aayushi Shukla, and Vaishnavi Sharma took two wickets each. Shabnam Shakil also contributed with one wicket.  

Chasing 83, India made easy work of the target, winning the match with nine wickets in hand and 52 balls to spare.  

Trisha led the charge with a quick 44 off 33 balls, hitting eight boundaries. She was well supported by Sanika Chalke, who remained unbeaten on 26 off 22 balls.

South Africa’s Kayla Reyneke was the only bowler to take a wicket.  

Trisha’s outstanding all-round performance earned her the 'Player of the Match' award. She was also named 'Player of the Tournament', having scored 309 runs and taken seven wickets throughout the competition.  

After the match, Trisha expressed her joy, saying, "Means everything to me, right now not able to say anything. Thank everyone for supporting me. [My] plan was to always focus on my strengths, did the same thing today as well. Always look up to Mithali di.”

She dedicated her performance to her father, who was present at the match, and added, "Always consider myself as an allrounder. Goal is to play for the country and win more matches." 

India finished the tournament without losing a single game, successfully defending their title. Two years ago, they won the first-ever ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup under the captaincy of Shafali Verma.  

With this victory, India once again proved their dominance in women’s U19 cricket.