Indian women create history; win ICC Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup

India created history on Sunday (January 29) by winning the inaugural ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup in Potchefstroom, South Africa.

This was Indian women’s cricket team’s first-ever World Cup trophy at any level. The seniors reached the World Cup final on three occasions across formats but failed to win the crown.

In the final, India defeated England by seven wickets at the JB Marks Oval (Senwes Park), chasing down 69 runs in 14 overs.

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The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a reward of ₹5 crore for the team and its support staff.

Women’s Cricket in India is on the upswing and the World Cup triumph has taken the stature of women’s cricket several notches higher. I am delighted to announce INR 5 crore for the entire team and support staff as prize money. This is surely a path-breaking year.

— Jay Shah (@JayShah) January 29, 2023

BCCI secretary Jay Shah tweeted, “Women’s Cricket in India is on the upswing and the World Cup triumph has taken the stature of women’s cricket several notches higher. I am delighted to announce INR 5 crore for the entire team and support staff as prize money. This is surely a path-breaking year.”

India’s run chase began with a boundary off the first ball from captain Shafali Varma, who celebrated her 19th birthday yesterday.

ICC U19 WOMEN’S WC. India Women U19 Won by 7 Wicket(s) (Winners) https://t.co/89XmsIML0g #INDvENG #U19T20WorldCup #Final

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) January 29, 2023

She was dismissed for an 11-ball 15 in the third over. Her opening partner Shweta Sehrawat too followed, getting out for just five with India reduced to 20/2 in 3.4 overs. Shweta ended the tournament as the top run-getter with 297 runs (three fifties; highest 92 not out) from seven matches.

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After the early loss of two wickets, Soumya Tiwari and Gongadi Trisha (24) made sure that there were no hiccups on way to India’s title triumph. The duo added 46 runs for the third wicket.

The best in the competition! 🇮🇳🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿#U19T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/BonZ7pfNtX

— ICC (@ICC) January 29, 2023

With just three runs away from victory, Trisha was dismissed. Soumya (24 not out) hit the winning run.

Earlier, Indian bowlers restricted England to a paltry 68 all out in 17.1 overs. Pacer and new ball bowler Titas Sadhu was superb with 2/6 from four overs. Archana Devi and Parshavi Chopra took two wickets apiece.

Mannat Kashyap, Shafali and Sonam Yadav bagged one wicket each.

After being sent into to bat by Shafali, England struggled against the Indians. It was reduced to 22/4 in 6.2 overs and never recovered.

🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳 #U19T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/MCkBiVPTGW

— ICC (@ICC) January 29, 2023

𝗖.𝗛.𝗔.𝗠.𝗣.𝗜.𝗢.𝗡.𝗦! 🏆🎉

Meet the winners of the inaugural #U19T20WorldCup

INDIA 🇮🇳 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/ljtScy6MXb

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) January 29, 2023

India was excellent with the ball and in the field. Ryana MacDonald-Gay was the top scorer for England with 19. Seven England batters failed to reach double-digit scores.

India’s route to the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup trophy

• Game 1: Group D: Beat South Africa by 7 wickets
• Game 2: Group D: Beat UAE by 122 runs
• Game 3: Group D: Beat Scotland by 83 runs
• Game 4: Super Six: Lost to Australia by 7 wickets
• Game 5: Super Six: Beat Sri Lanka by 7 wickets
• Game 6: Semi-final: Beat New Zealand by 8 wickets
• Game 7: Final: Beat England by 7 wickets

India’s Playing XI in the final against England

• Shafali Verma (captain), Shweta Sehrawat (vice-captain), Soumya Tiwari, Gongadi Trisha, Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), Hrishita Basu, Titas Sadhu, Mannat Kashyap, Archana Devi, Parshavi Chopra, Sonam Yadav.

Full India squad

• Shafali Verma (captain), Shweta Sehrawat (vice-captain), Richa Ghosh (wicketkeeper), G Trisha, Soumya Tiwari, Sonia Mendhiya, Hurley Gala, Hrishita Basu (wicketkeeper), Sonam Yadav, Mannat Kashyap, Archana Devi, Parshavi Chopra, Titas Sadhu, Falak Naz, Shabnam. Coach: Nooshin Al Khadeer.

Congratulations to the first ever champions of the Women’s #U19T20WorldCup! 🏆🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/hSE7Z6l4tW

— ICC (@ICC) January 29, 2023

Incredible pictures from a memorable title win 📸#U19T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/GdkIeWXAe3

— ICC (@ICC) January 29, 2023