India aims for back-to-back Women's U19 T20 World Cup titles, ready to face South Africa in final
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Unbeaten throughout the tournament, India is set to enter the final of the Women's U19 T20 World Cup as strong favorites when they take on South Africa on Sunday.
The Niki Prasad-led squad has showcased dominance in every aspect of the game, securing six consecutive victories leading up to the final.
India’s path to the final has been nothing short of commanding, with convincing wins over West Indies (9 wickets), Malaysia (10 wickets), Sri Lanka (60 runs), Bangladesh (8 wickets), Scotland (150 runs), and England (9 wickets in the semifinal).
At the forefront of India’s batting success is opener Gongadi Trisha, who has been in outstanding form. She currently leads the tournament’s run charts with 265 runs in six innings, averaging 66.25. Her opening partner, G Kamalini, is also among the top scorers with 135 runs at an average of 45.00.
However, a key concern for India is the lack of opportunities for the middle order, as most runs have come from the openers.
India’s bowling attack has been equally dominant, led by the slow left-arm spin duo of Vaishnavi Sharma and Aayushi Shukla. Vaishnavi is the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 15 wickets at an average of 3.40, while Aayushi has claimed 12 wickets at 5.91. The duo is expected to play a crucial role on the slow, turning tracks in the final.
Meanwhile, South Africa has reached their first-ever ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup final after a hard-fought five-wicket victory over Australia in the semifinal. The South African squad will be eager to claim their maiden title.
Match Details
Match: India vs South Africa, Women's U19 T20 World Cup Final
Date & Time: Sunday, 12:00 PM IST
Squads
India: Niki Prasad (c), Sanika Chalke, G Trisha, Kamalini G, Bhavika Ahire, Ishwari Awasare, Mithila Vinod, Joshitha VJ, Sonam Yadav, Parunika Sisodiya, Kesari Drithi, Aayushi Shukla, Anandita Kishor, MD Shabnam, Vaishnavi S.
South Africa: Simone Lourens, Karabo Meso, Kayla Reyneke (c), Jemma Botha, Seshnie Naidu, Diara Ramlakan, Monalisa Legodi, Nthabiseng Nini, Fay Cowling, Jae-Leigh Filander, Luyanda Nzuza, D van Rensburg, Mieke van Voorst, Ashleigh van Wyk, Chanel Venter.