Defending champions India began their ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 campaign with an emphatic 9-wicket victory over the West Indies in their Group A opener at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. On Sunday, India’s dominant performance with both bat and ball marked a resounding start to their journey towards retaining the title.
India’s Fierce Bowling Performance: West Indies All Out for 44
Winning the toss, India elected to bowl first, and their bowlers responded brilliantly. VJ Joshitha, the Player of the Match, spearheaded India’s bowling attack. She struck early, picking up two wickets in consecutive deliveries during the fourth over. Joshitha dismissed West Indies captain Samara Ramnath and Naijanni Cumberbatch, putting the pressure on the West Indies right from the start.
The Indian bowlers continued to tighten the screws, with Parunika Sisodia taking three wickets and Aayushi Shukla and Joshitha claiming two wickets each. India’s clinical bowling dismantled the West Indies batting lineup, reducing them to a paltry total of just 44 runs in 13.2 overs. Apart from Asabi Callendar (12) and Kenika Cassar (15), none of the other West Indies batters could score more than 5 runs. A remarkable stat was the fact that five West Indies batters were dismissed for a duck, including Naijanni Cumberbatch, Brianna Harricharan, Kristen Sutherland, and Selena Ross.
India’s Batting Response: Easy Chase in Just 4.2 Overs
With only 44 runs to defend, West Indies’ bowlers faced an uphill battle. India lost their first wicket early, with opener Gondagi Trisha falling to Jahzara Claxton. However, India’s middle-order batters, H Kamalini (16) and Sanika Chalke (18), made light work of the chase. Both Kamalini and Chalke played sensibly, ensuring that India crossed the target comfortably in just 4.2 overs, sealing a 9-wicket victory.
This dominant performance not only highlighted India’s superior bowling depth but also the composure and skill of their batters. With this result, India will be looking to continue their momentum as they take on Malaysia in their next match on Thursday.
Looking Ahead: India’s Road to the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 Title
India’s commanding victory over the West Indies has set the tone for the rest of their Group A campaign. On Thursday, they will face hosts Malaysia, followed by a crucial encounter against Sri Lanka in their final group match. With their all-around performance, India has sent a strong message to their rivals, showcasing their depth and determination to retain the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup title.
Squads for U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025:
West Indies Women U19 Squad:
- Brianna Harricharan, Asabi Callendar, Abigail Bryce, Naijanni Cumberbatch, Amrita Ramtahal, Aaliyah Weekes, Kristen Sutherland, Denella Creese (w), Jahzara Claxton, Samara Ramnath (c), Kenika Cassar, Erin Deane, Amiah Gilbert, Trisha Hardat, Selena Ross
India Women U19 Squad:
- Sanika Chalke, Gongadi Trisha, Niki Prasad (c), Vaishnavi Sharma, Mithila Vinod, Joshitha V J, G Kamalini (w), Bhavika Ahire, Sonam Yadav, Parunika Sisodia, Shabnam Md Shakil, Aayushi Shukla, Drithi Kesari, Anandita Kishor
Conclusion:
India’s resounding 9-wicket victory against the West Indies in their opening match of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 not only highlights their bowling supremacy but also their batting resolve. With a solid all-round team performance, India will be confident heading into their next matches in the group stages. As they aim to defend their title, the Indian U19 women’s cricket team has proven they are a force to be reckoned with in this global tournament.
