A masterclass in Kuala Lumpur

When the sun rose over the Bayuemas Oval on 2 February 2025, the atmosphere was electric. The final of the U19 Women's T20 World Cup pitted the defending champions India against a determined South African side. After winning the toss, the Proteas chose to bat, but the decision backfired within the first over as India’s bowlers set an aggressive tone.

Parunika Sisodia ripped out opener Simone Lourens for a first‑ball duck, and Shabnam followed with the wicket of hard‑hitting Jemma Botha. South Africa teetered at 20/2 after just four overs. Aayushi Sharma kept the pressure alive, dismissing Diara Ramlakan to make it 29/3 at the end of the powerplay.

Captain Kayla Reyneke tried to steady the ship with a brief partnership with Karabo Meso, but both fell in quick succession, leaving the Proteas struggling at 49/5. The highest stand of the innings came from Mieke van Voorst and Fay Cowling, who added 30 runs before falling to consecutive deliveries.

India’s bowlers shared the glory. Gongadi Trisha, who would later dominate with the bat, claimed three wickets, while Sisodia, Aayushi Shukla and Vaishnavi Sharma each took two. South Africa were bowled out for a paltry 82 runs in exactly 20 overs, handing India a modest target of 83.

India’s effortless chase and what it means

Opening the batting, Gongadi Trisha moved quickly to 44* with a blend of composure and power. Her partner, G Kamalini, provided the necessary boundaries, and together they turned the chase into a formality. India reached the target in just 11.2 overs, losing only one wicket and sealing a nine‑wicket victory.

Trisha’s all‑round performance – three wickets and a match‑winning unbeaten knock – earned her the Player of the Tournament award. In her post‑match interview she said, "This win shows the hard work every girl puts in day in, day out. We believed in each other and the result speaks for itself."

The win isn’t just another trophy; it confirms that India’s pipeline for women’s cricket is humming. The squad featured a balanced mix of pace and spin, and the depth was evident when a bowler like Trisha could seamlessly switch to a top‑order batswoman. Cricket analysts note that the team’s ability to defend low totals and chase them down with ease hints at a tactical maturity often missing at youth level.

South Africa, despite the loss, displayed flashes of potential. Their lower‑order partnership gave a glimpse of resilience that could translate into future success. Coaches from both sides praised the competitive spirit, underscoring that the tournament will raise the standard of women’s cricket worldwide.

• South Africa: 82/10 (20 overs)
• India: 83/1 (11.2 overs)
• Top scorer: Gongadi Trisha – 44* (7 fours, 2 sixes)
• Best bowler: Gongadi Trisha – 3/12 (4 overs)
• Player of the Tournament: Gongadi Trisha (India)

Looking ahead, the Indian board has already hinted at fast‑tracking this group into the senior national side. With the experience of a World Cup final already under their belts, these players are likely to become the backbone of the senior team in the coming years. Their success also sends a clear message to other cricketing nations: invest in grassroots women’s programs, and the results will follow.

For now, India basks in the glow of a historic triumph, their second U19 title in a row, and the cricketing world watches keenly to see how this golden generation will shape the future of the women’s game.