When India Women Under‑19 cricket team lifted the trophy on Saturday, the 9‑wicket triumph over South Africa Women Under‑19 sent a clear signal that the sub‑continent is now the benchmark in youth women’s cricket.
The final, part of the 2025 ICC Under‑19 Women’s T20 World Cup staged in Malaysia, was played at the Kinrara Academy Oval on 15 January 2025, just two weeks after the tournament kicked off on 1 January.
Trisha Gongadi, the all‑rounder from Bangalore, earned Player of the Match for her 3 for 15 in four overs and an unbeaten 44 off 33 balls.
Beyond the scoreboard, the win cements India’s dominance in the fledgling Under‑19 women’s circuit and validates the massive investment poured into grassroots programmes by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
Tournament Overview
The International Cricket Council (ICC) announced the tournament schedule on 18 August 2024, confirming a 16‑team line‑up spread across five continents. Ten full‑member nations – Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka and West Indies – qualified automatically. Host nation Malaysia also received a direct spot.
The remaining five places were earned through regional qualifiers. Notably, Samoa became the first East Asia‑Pacific side to clinch a berth after winning its qualifier in May 2024. The United States secured a repeat appearance, while Nigeria made its debut and shocked New Zealand with a group‑stage upset.
India's Road to the Final
India breezed through the group stage, posting a 56‑run victory over England and a comfortable 4‑wicket win against Pakistan. In the semi‑final on 12 January, they faced host Malaysia in a rain‑interrupted thriller; a disciplined 62‑run chase, anchored by a 31‑ball 27 from captain Shreya Singh, sealed a 7‑run win.
Statistically, India boasted the tournament’s highest run‑rate at 6.85 runs per over and the best bowling economy (4.12). The consistency of their spin attack, led by Gongadi, proved decisive against strong batting line‑ups.
Trisha Gongadi’s Match‑Winning Performance
Gongadi’s spell was a masterclass in variation. She opened the bowling with a tight line, conceding just 8 runs in her first two overs before rattling the South African top order with a wicket‑to‑wicket delivery that forced an early catch at mid‑wicket.
Her figures – 3 for 15 off 4 overs – were complemented by an explosive cameo at the crease. Coming in at number five with India needing 45 runs off 30 balls, she struck a six off a yorker, followed by a quick‑fire boundary sequence that left the scoreboard at 9 wickets down for 124, sealing the win.
“I knew the pitch would favour spin, so I focused on keeping the ball low and using the rough outside the off‑stump,” Gongadi said in the post‑match interview. “When I got the ball back, I just tried to execute what I practiced for months.”
Reactions from Teams and Officials
South African captain Lydia Mthembu admitted the fairness of the defeat: “India played a complete game. Their fielding, batting and bowling were all on point. We’ll learn from this and come back stronger.”
ICC development officer Anjali Patel praised the tournament’s growing competitiveness: “Seeing Nigeria take a scalp off New Zealand and Samoa qualify for the first time shows the sport’s expanding base. India’s consistency sets the bar, but the gap is closing.”
Back in New Delhi, BCCI President Ravindra Jadeja hailed the triumph as “a testament to our long‑term grassroots strategy, from school‑level academies to national camps.”
What This Victory Means for Women’s Cricket
The back‑to‑back titles underscore India’s depth of talent at the junior level, a crucial pipeline for the senior Women’s team that currently sits third in the ICC rankings. Analysts predict that up to 30% of the 2025 Under‑19 squad could graduate to the senior side within the next two years.
Moreover, the tournament’s viewership numbers – an average of 3.2 million live streams per match, according to ICC data – signal rising commercial interest. Sponsors are already in talks for a dedicated women's youth league, a development that could reshape the domestic cricket calendar.
For emerging nations like Nigeria and Samoa, participation alone provides invaluable exposure. Their performances are likely to attract funding from the ICC’s Women’s Development Programme, nudging them closer to parity with traditional powerhouses.
Key Facts
- Champions: India Women Under‑19
- Final score: India won by 9 wickets (124/1) against South Africa
- Player of the Match: Trisha Gongadi – 3/15 and 44* (33)
- Tournament hosted in Malaysia – 16 teams, 48 matches
- First‑time participants: Nigeria, Samoa
Frequently Asked Questions
How does India’s win affect the senior Women’s national team?
The triumph showcases a deep talent pool that the senior side can draw from. Analysts expect at least six Under‑19 graduates to debut for the senior team before the next ICC Women’s World Cup, bolstering batting depth and spin options.
What were the biggest surprises of the tournament?
Nigeria’s shock victory over New Zealand and Samoa’s historic qualification were the standout upsets. Both results underline the rapid rise of cricket in non‑traditional regions.
When and where was the final played?
The final took place on 15 January 2025 at the Kinrara Academy Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Who were the standout performers besides Trisha Gongadi?
India’s captain Shreya Singh contributed 28 runs and four catches, while South Africa’s bowler Zara Patel claimed two wickets despite the loss.
What are the next steps for the Under‑19 women’s competition?
The ICC plans to expand the tournament to 20 teams for the 2027 edition and is discussing a bi‑annual schedule to keep momentum in women’s youth cricket.
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