The Indian team will start their title defense in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 starting on January 18 at Malaysia.
A significant event for Malaysia
As current champions, India will try to repeat its success from the first edition held in South Africa in 2023, where Shafali Verma led the team to glory. This time, the responsibility of managing the team rests on Niki Prasadwho recently captained India to victory in the inaugural Asian Cup for Women U19also held in Kuala Lumpur.
Hosted by Malaysia, the tournament marks their first major cricket event since the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup in 2008. The 2025 Women’s U19 T20 World Cup will feature 16 teams, divided into four groups for the initial stage. Over the 16-day period, the teams will compete in a total of 41 matches, making it a packed schedule of exciting cricket.
Indian group and schedule
India is placed in Group A, along with hosts Malaysia, Sri Lanka and West Indies. Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur will serve as the venue for India’s group stage matches. India will begin their campaign on January 19, facing the West Indies in what promises to be an exciting opening encounter for the defending champions. The Indian team will look to start strong as they bid to retain the trophy.
5 Indian players to watch out for in the Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2025
1. Gongadi Trisha – Leading runner
Gongadi Trisha she showcased her batting prowess in the U19 Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024, amassing 159 runs in 5 matches at an average of 53.00 and a strike rate of 120.45. Her two fifties, including a top score of 58, highlighted her consistency as India’s mainstay. She smashed 20 boundaries and 5 sixes, proving her ability to dominate the bowlers. Known for its aggressive but calculated approach, it provides stability at the highest level. Ahead of the U19 T20 World Cup 2025, India will rely heavily on their experience and ability to handle pressure in critical situations. Trisha’s ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed makes her a key player in Malaysia.
2. Mr. Kamalini – Reliable wicketkeeper-batter
As a wicket-keeper batsman, Mr. Kamalini contributed crucial runs for India in the Asia Cup, scoring 85 runs at a strike rate of 114.86. Her unbeaten 44 is not in competition Pakistan U19 was a successful match. Behind the stumps, she impressed with four dismissals, including two catches in the final against Bangladesh U19. Kamalini’s dual role as a batsman and wicketkeeper adds considerable value to the Indian line-up.
In the U19 T20 World Cup, she will be expected to come under pressure and perform as a reliable middle-order batsman while providing sharpness on the field. Her ability to adapt to different match situations will be crucial for India’s campaign. Mumbai Indians (MI) also recently bagged 16-year-old Kamalini for a whopping 1.6 million rupees in the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2025 auction in Bengaluru.
READ ALSO: India unveil squad for U19 Women’s Asian Championship 2024; Niki Prasad leads
3. Aayushi Shukla – shot putter
Aayushi Shukla he was India’s best bowler in the Asia Cup, taking 10 wickets in 5 matches at a remarkable average of 5.40 and an economy of 3.27. She achieved her best performance, 4/10, in the group stage match, where she broke the opponent with disciplined throwing of the ball. Aayusha’s accuracy and ability to generate movement make her a constant threat with the new ball. As India prepares for the U19 T20 World Cup, her role as a strike bowler in both the powerplay and death overs will be crucial. If she maintains her form and fitness, Aayushi is likely to become one of the leading bowlers of the tournament.
4. Parunika Sisodia – Versatile performer
Baroness SisodiHer bowling brilliance in the Asia Cup was evident as she took the scalp of 9 wickets in 5 matches including a best of 4/12. Her 4.22 ERA reflects her ability to put pressure on batters. Although primarily a bowler, Sisodia’s potential with the bat adds depth to the lineup. She thrives under pressure, as shown by her composure at key moments during the Asia Cup. In the U19 T20 World Cup, India will count on her to make breakthroughs in the middle overs and make handy contributions with the bat. Her versatility makes her valuable to the team.
5. Sonam Yadav – impact spinner
Although he played only three matches in the Asian Cup, Sonam Yadav she made a lasting impression with her 8 wickets at an incredible average of 3.12 and an economy of just 2.08. Her 4/6 against Nepal U19 was a masterclass in spin bowling, showing her ability to confuse the batter with variations. Yadav’s knack for picking wickets in clusters makes her a winner in the shortest format. India will look to use her as a weapon on the Malaysian spin tracks during the U19 T20 World Cup. Her control and ability to take advantage of the conditions could make her the standout player of the tournament.
READ ALSO: Australia announces captain and vice-captain for ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025
This article was first published on WomenCricket.comand Cricket times company.
