NEW DELHI: India stormed to a dominant nine-wicket victory over South Africa to successfully defend their Women’s U19 T20 World Cup title on Sunday at the JB Marks Oval, Kuala Lumpur.
Having won the inaugural edition back in 2023, the Asian side displayed their superiority in all departments, comfortably chasing down a modest target of 83.
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After a clinical bowling performance restricted South Africa to 82 all out in 20 overs, India’s batters made light work of the chase.
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Despite losing Kamalini Gunalan early for 8, Gongadi Trisha (44 not out off 33) and Sanika Chalke (26 not out off 22) guided India home in just 11.2 overs, sealing back-to-back U19 World Cup victories.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, South Africa endured a nightmare start, losing Simone Lourens for a duck in the opening over.
Jemma Botha (16) offered some early resistance, but wickets kept tumbling at regular intervals. Captain Kayla Reyneke and wicketkeeper Karabo Meso struggled to steady the innings as India’s bowlers kept them under pressure.
Mieke van Voorst (23 off 18) and Fay Cowling (15 off 20) provided brief moments of hope, but with no substantial partnerships, South Africa crumbled to 82 all out in 20 overs.
Gongadi Trisha (3/15) was the standout performer, dismantling the middle order with her disciplined spell. Parunika Sisodia (2/6) and Aayushi Shukla (2/9) provided key breakthroughs, while Vaishnavi Sharma (2/23) mopped up the tail, ensuring South Africa never got going.
Chasing a small target, India started positively despite an early setback when Kamalini Gunalan fell for 8. However, Trisha and Chalke ensured there were no further hiccups, playing with authority and composure.
Trisha’s 44-run knock, laced with eight boundaries, was the highlight of the chase.
