U19 WC: Vaishnavi’s 5/5 powers India to 10-wicket win over Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur: Debutant left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma made history with a record-breaking performance, taking 5/5, including a hat-trick, to lead India to a commanding 10-wicket victory over Malaysia in the ICC U19 Women's World Cup on Tuesday.

Vaishnavi, alongside fellow left-arm spinner Ayushi Shukla (3/8), tore through Malaysia's batting order, dismissing them for a meager 31 in just 14.3 overs. The Indian team, in response, chased down the paltry target with ease, scoring 32/0 in just 2.5 overs. G Trisha remained unbeaten on 27 off 12 balls, smashing five fours.

With this dominant win, India moved to the top of their group with four points, tied with Sri Lanka but holding a superior Net Run Rate (+9.1 compared to Sri Lanka’s +5.5). However, the victory was largely built on the back of Vaishnavi’s brilliant bowling spell.

On a pitch offering significant turn and bounce, Vaishnavi exploited the conditions expertly, leaving the Malaysian batters helpless. Her hat-trick, taken in the 14th over, saw her dismissing Nur Ain Binti Roslan, Nur Isma Dania, and Siti Nazwah, as Malaysia tumbled from 24/6 to 30/9. The wickets came quickly, with India’s spinners in full control of the game.

Reflecting on her dream debut, Vaishnavi said, "This was a dream debut to get a hat-trick and five-wicket haul. My journey has had its ups and downs. I look up to Radha Yadav (India senior left-arm spinner) and Ravindra Jadeja. I had visualized how to get wickets here last night."

Before her hat-trick, Vaishnavi had already claimed the wickets of Malaysia's captain Nur Syuhada and Nuriman, with none of the Malaysian batters reaching double figures. India's disciplined bowling also included 10 wides, but despite this, Malaysia’s score remained dismal.

India’s dominant all-round performance solidified their top position in the group, as they continue their pursuit for the title in the ICC U19 Women's World Cup.

With PTI inputs