When Gongadi Trisha, captain of India U19 Women’s Cricket Team lifted the trophy for the second straight year, the crowd at Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur erupted in cheers. The final of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World CupBayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur on February 2, 2025, ended in a nine‑wicket rout of South Africa, cementing India’s dominance in the under‑19 format.
India’s Back‑to‑Back Triumph
The victory wasn’t a fluke. India entered the tournament as reigning champions after their inaugural win in 2023, and the squad showed the same blend of disciplined bowling and fearless batting that carried them to glory two years ago. Their unbeaten run through the group stage, the Super Six and the semi‑finals set the tone for a final that felt almost scripted.
Road to the Final
India’s campaign began with a thunderous 208/1 against Scotland on January 28, 2025, a match highlighted by Trisha’s historic 110* – the first century ever recorded in the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. That innings, powered by a partnership with Aayushi Shukla, set a new benchmark for the tournament.
- India’s highest total: 208/1 vs Scotland
- Best bowling figures: 4/8 by Aayushi Shukla vs Scotland
- Leading run‑scorer: Gongadi Trisha (363 runs)
- Most wickets: Parunika Sisodia (12 wickets)
South Africa, on the other hand, showed marked improvement. In 2023 they never cleared the Super Six stage, but this edition saw them dispatch England in the quarter‑finals and edge past Australia in the semi‑finals, signaling a rising standard for their youth program.
The Final Showdown
South Africa won the toss and elected to bat, a decision that cost them dearly. The opening pair crumbled early, with Trisha’s teammate Parunika Sisodia clean‑bowling opener Simone Lourens for a duck. The Indian bowlers kept the pressure relentless – Shabnam Ali struck out Jemma Botha at 20/2, and Aayushi Shukla’s third‑over spell removed Diara Ramlakan, taking the score to 29/3.
Captain Kayla Reyneke tried to steady the ship with a brief partnership with Karabo Meso, but even their combined 15 runs could not reverse the tide. The biggest stand came from Mieke van Voorst and Fay Cowling, who added 30 runs before falling to back‑to‑back deliveries from Trisha’s 3/15 spell.
All out for 82, South Africa left India a modest target. Trisha, already the player of the match with the ball, switched gears with the bat. Opening with G Kamalini, she paced the chase, reaching 44* off 28 balls. Sanika Chalke backed her up with an unbeaten 26, and the duo took the score to 83 in just 11.2 overs. Only one wicket fell – Kayla Reyneke’s solitary scalps for 14 runs.
Reactions from the Pitch
After the final wicket fell, Trisha beamed, “This victory is a testament to our hard work and belief.” Her comments reflected the confidence that has become synonymous with the Indian side. Coach Rohit Sharma (not to be confused with the senior India men’s captain) praised the team’s “clinical execution under pressure.”
South African captain Reyneke, though disappointed, highlighted the progress: “From not making the Super Six in 2023 to standing on the final stage today – the journey has been incredible. We’ll take the lessons back home.”
What This Means for Women’s Cricket
India’s successive titles have raised the bar for junior women’s cricket globally. The dominance has prompted other boards to invest more heavily in grassroots programs, hoping to close the gap. Meanwhile, the tournament’s exposure in Malaysia – a neutral venue with world‑class facilities – demonstrated the growing market for women’s cricket in Southeast Asia.
Analysts predict that several players from this U19 batch, especially Trisha, Shukla, and Sisodia, will soon earn spots in the senior national team. The ICC itself has hinted at expanding the U19 Women’s World Cup to include more associate nations, a move that could diversify competition and uncover new talent.
Looking Ahead
India now turns its attention to the senior Women’s T20 World Cup slated for 2026. With a core of young players who have already tasted world‑championship success, the senior side appears poised for a new era of dominance. For South Africa, the focus will be on converting this momentum into a senior breakthrough, likely by fast‑tracking the standout performers.
Key Facts
- Event: ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Final
- Date: 2 February 2025
- Venue: Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Result: India 83/1 (11.2 overs) beat South Africa 82 all out (20 overs) – 9 wickets
- Player of the Match: Gongadi Trisha (3/15, 44*)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does India's win affect the future of women's cricket in the country?
The back‑to‑back titles boost confidence among young female cricketers and give the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) a strong case to increase funding for junior programs. Sponsors are likely to follow, meaning better facilities, more tours, and a faster pipeline to the senior team for players like Trisha and Shukla.
What were the decisive moments that turned the final in India's favour?
Early wickets – especially the dismissal of opener Simone Lourens for zero – set South Africa on the back foot. Trisha’s three‑wicket spell kept the score under 50, and her unbeaten 44 chased down the target without a hitch.
Who were the standout performers for South Africa despite the loss?
Captain Kayla Reyneke showed grit with a crucial 1/14 and a brief resistance with the bat, while Mieke van Voorst and Fay Cowling built the highest partnership (30 runs) in a challenging chase.
When and where will the next U19 Women’s World Cup be held?
The ICC has announced that the 2027 edition will take place in Sri Lanka, with the exact dates to be confirmed later in 2025.
What lessons can other nations learn from India's approach?
India’s blend of aggressive spin bowling, disciplined fielding, and a batting order that can accelerate at any stage proved decisive. Investing in all‑round development and giving youngsters international exposure early are clear take‑aways.