India, South Africa set for ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup final

Defending champions India and South Africa have qualified for the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup final, which will be played on Sunday at Bayuemas Oval in Malaysia.  

India secured their place in the final with a convincing win over England in the second semi-final, while South Africa defeated Australia by five wickets in the first knockout match.  

In the first semi-final, Ashleigh van Wyk played a key role in South Africa’s victory with a four-wicket haul, while Jemma Botha’s 37 runs helped secure the chase. Batting first, Australia managed 105 for 8 in 20 overs, with Caoimhe Bray scoring 34. However, South Africa’s bowlers, led by Ashleigh, kept the pressure on.  

Chasing 106, South Africa reached the target with five wickets in hand and 11 balls to spare. Jemma led the way with a quick 37 off 24 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes. Hasrat Gill and Lucy Hamilton picked up two wickets each for Australia, while Chloe Ainsworth took one.  

In the second semi-final, India remained unbeaten in the tournament with a dominant all-round performance. Their bowlers restricted England to 113 for 8, with Parunika Sisodia and Vaishnavi Sharma taking three wickets each. Davina Perrin top-scored for England with 45, while captain Abi Norgrove added 30.  

India chased down the target with ease, losing just one wicket and finishing with 30 balls to spare. Kamalini was the star of the innings, scoring an unbeaten 56 off 50 balls, including eight boundaries. Gongadi Trisha contributed with 35 off 29 balls. Phoebe Brett was the only wicket-taker for England.