Synopsis
On February 2, South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first in the championship match against India at the 2025 U19 Women's T20 World Cup held in Kuala Lumpur. Both teams are unbeaten in the tournament, making this match crucial for the title.Key Takeaways
- South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first.
- India is the defending champion.
- Trisha Gongadi is the top run-scorer in the tournament.
- Vaishnavi Sharma leads in wickets taken.
- Both teams are unbeaten leading into the final.
Kuala Lumpur, Feb 2 (NationPress) South Africa has won the toss and decided to bat first against the defending champions India in the final of the 2025 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup at the Bayuemas Oval on Sunday.
Both teams enter this crucial title showdown having remained unbeaten throughout the tournament. They previously faced off in a tri-series in Pune in December 2024, prior to the global event. Additionally, India clinched the inaugural U19 Women’s Asia Cup in Malaysia.
For India, Trisha Gongadi stands as the tournament's top run-scorer with 265 runs at a strike rate of 149.71. She was also part of the Indian team that won the inaugural U19 World Cup in 2023. On the other hand, Jemma Botha has been South Africa's leading run-scorer with 89 runs in five matches.
In terms of bowling, left-arm spinner Vaishnavi Sharma has emerged as the leading wicket-taker of the tournament with 15 wickets, including a hat-trick during the group stage. She has received strong support from fellow left-arm spinners Parunika Sisodia and Aayushi Shukla, alongside pacers Shabnam Shakil and Joshitha VJ.
For South Africa, captain Kayla Reneke has also excelled, taking 10 wickets in five matches, with assistance from Monalisa Legodi and Nthabiseng Nini, each contributing six wickets. A reserve day is also designated for the final.
Playing XIs
India: G Kamalini (wk), Gongadi Trisha, Sanika Chalke, Niki Prasad (c), Ishwari Awsare, Mithila Vinod, Aayushi Shukla, Joshitha V J, Shabnam Shakil, Parunika Sisodia, and Vaishnavi Sharma.
South Africa: Jemma Botha, Simone Lourens, Diara Ramlakan, Fay Cowling, Kayla Reyneke (c), Karabo Meso (wk), Mieke van Voorst, Seshnie Naidu, Ashleigh van Wyk, Monalisa Legodi, Nthabiseng Nini.
