Team India Triumphs in U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Final, Crowned Champions
South Africa, February 3, 2025: In a historic and thrilling encounter, Team India clinched the title of the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, defeating England by a resounding 7-wicket margin in the final at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, South Africa. With this victory, India made history by becoming the first-ever champions of the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
The young Indian team, led by Shafali Verma, produced a dominant performance in both bowling and batting, sealing their place as the best U19 side in the world.
England Sets a Modest Total
On a pitch that offered some assistance to bowlers, England was asked to bat first after India won the toss. The English team struggled to gain momentum against a disciplined Indian bowling attack. Opener Sophia Dunkley (28) was the standout performer for England, but her efforts were not enough to anchor the innings.
India’s bowlers, particularly leg-spinner Parshavi Chopra, put the brakes on England’s scoring rate. Chopra took 3 crucial wickets, including the vital scalp of Dunkley, finishing with figures of 3/19. Left-arm spinner Sonam Yadav and fast bowler Tanuja Kanwar also played key roles in restricting England to a total of 97/9 in their allotted 20 overs.
Despite a few fleeting partnerships, England’s batting faltered under the pressure of India’s tight fielding and accurate bowling. India’s bowlers displayed exceptional discipline, with only Dunkley reaching double digits. The final over of England’s innings saw them unable to capitalize on the pressure and set a competitive total, which left the Indian team with a relatively easy chase.
India’s Run Chase
Chasing a modest total of 98 runs, the Indian women’s team started with confidence, but early wickets fell, and the chase became a little tricky. However, a calm and composed performance from middle-order batter, Aditi Singh (42*), guided India to victory.
The Indian top order had a shaky start, with opening batters not contributing much to the total. The key turning point came when Aditi Singh and captain Shafali Verma (28) put together an important partnership of 47 runs. Verma, who had been in excellent form throughout the tournament, anchored the chase before falling to a delivery from England’s Sophie Luff.
Despite her departure, Singh remained unfazed and steered India toward the target, finding the boundary at crucial moments. Her unflappable temperament and precise shot selection ensured India reached the target with 4 balls to spare.
India’s well-balanced team displayed excellent composure throughout the match, and even when the pressure mounted, the youngsters stuck to their game plan and emerged victorious. The winning run came through a well-timed boundary by Singh, sparking celebrations among the Indian players and their supporters.
A Historic Achievement
This win marks a milestone for women’s cricket, as it is the first-ever ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. The victory is a testament to the emerging talent in India and the growing strength of women’s cricket across the globe. The team’s performance is also a reflection of the excellent groundwork laid by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and the coaching staff, who have been focusing on nurturing young cricketers for the future.
Shafali Verma, who led the side with confidence, was elated with the result. “It’s a dream come true. I’m proud of the way the team came together to win this historic title. This victory is not just for us, but for every young girl who dreams of playing cricket,” Verma said in the post-match interview.
India’s success in the tournament also highlights the rise of young players like Aditi Singh, Parshavi Chopra, and Kanwar, all of whom played crucial roles in the team’s path to glory.
Looking Ahead
The win in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup signals a bright future for Indian women’s cricket, providing a solid foundation for the senior national team. With the depth of talent in India, the future of women’s cricket looks incredibly promising, and the country’s young cricketers are sure to leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.
As the celebrations continue, Team India’s remarkable triumph will inspire countless young girls to take up cricket and aim for the highest honors, marking a new era for women’s sport in India.
