U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2023: India wins inaugural cup, defeats England by 7 wickets

The U19 Indian women’s cricket team on Sunday made history by securing the maiden U19 Women’s U19 T20 World Cup trophy, defeating England by 7 wickets at the Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.

Opting to bowl first, the Titas Sadhu and Parshavi Chopra led bowling attack sent England back to the pavilion after 68 runs in 17.1 overs.Titas Sadhu (2), Archana Devi (2) and Parshavi Chopra (2) collectively accrued 6 wickets, while Mannat Kashyap, Shafali and Sonam Yadav had a wicket each to their name. Only four of the English batters could score in double digits, with Rayana Macdonald-Gay taking the lead with 19 runs.

The women in blue had a target of 69 to chase, which they achieved ever so effortlessly in just 14 overs, losing just 3 wickets. Gongadi Trisha and Soumya Tiwari scored 29 runs a piece, with the latter remaining not out.Opener Shafali Verma accrued 15 runs to her name.

It may be pertinent to note that Indian women’s cricket team, despite working their way up to the finals thrice in separate formats, has never won a world cup. At the inaugural cup, the U-19 team reached the finals by thrashing New Zealand by an eight-wicket margin.

Playing XI (India):Shafali Verma(c), Shweta Sehrawat, Soumya Tiwari, Gongadi Trisha, Richa Ghosh(w), Hrishita Basu, Titas Sadhu, Mannat Kashyap, Archana Devi, Parshavi Chopra, Sonam Yadav.

Playing XI(England):Grace Scrivens(c), Liberty Heap, Niamh Fiona Holland, Seren Smale(w), Ryana Macdonald Gay, Charis Pavely, Alexa Stonehouse, Sophia Smale, Josie Groves, Ellie Anderson, Hannah Baker.