ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup Final ENG vs. IND Highlights
In a historic victory, India’s women’s cricket team emerged triumphant in the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup, showcasing their dominance over England in a thrilling final. The match unfolded with a superb all-round performance from India, as they bowled out England for a mere 68 runs in 17.1 overs and chased down the target with ease, securing a seven-wicket win.
Leading the charge for the Indian bowling attack, the trio of fast bowler Titas Sadhu, offspinner Archana Devi, and legspinner Parshavi Chopra exhibited a stellar performance, each notching up two crucial wickets to systematically dismantle the English batting lineup. Their formidable display showcased precision and skill, resulting in England being limited to a modest total. This outstanding effort by the bowlers set the stage for India’s upcoming chase, creating a promising scenario for the team to pursue victory.
Chasing 69 runs for victory, India faced some early setbacks with the departure of Shafali Verma, their dynamic opener, who fell victim to legspinner Hannah Baker. However, Soumya Tiwari and G Trisha stepped up to the plate, steering the team through the challenging moments. Despite the loss of a couple of wickets, Tiwari’s experience, particularly her leadership role in Madhya Pradesh’s U19 domestic T20 triumph, proved crucial in guiding India to victory.
The English bowlers, notably Baker, kept the pressure on with variations in flight and lengths. However, Tiwari and Trisha weathered the storm, showcasing resilience and composure. Trisha’s aggressive strokes, including consecutive boundaries, accelerated India’s progress towards the target. Although Trisha’s dismissal added a momentary twist to the tale, Tiwari remained steadfast, ensuring there were no further hiccups on the path to victory.
Reflecting on the tournament, India’s head coach Nooshin Al Khadeer, who had been part of India’s runners-up finish in the Women’s World Cup 18 years ago, played a pivotal role in shaping the team’s success. The players’ athletic prowess on the field, disciplined bowling, and composed batting performance were instrumental in ending India’s prolonged wait for a world title in women’s cricket.
England, on the other hand, faltered with the bat for the second consecutive game, unable to replicate the form that had served them well throughout the tournament. The early loss of Liberty Heap and the subsequent blows from Archana and Chopra left England struggling at 43 for 6 in the 12th over. Despite some resistance from Niamh Holland and Ryana MacDonald-Gay, England’s total of 68 proved too low to defend, especially against India’s determined batting lineup.
The ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup final between India and England showcased the emergence of a powerhouse in women’s cricket. India’s comprehensive victory was a testament to their skill, teamwork, and the leadership of Shafali Verma. With this triumph, India not only secured the inaugural title but also marked a significant milestone in the development of women’s cricket on the global stage. The win will undoubtedly inspire aspiring young cricketers and further contribute to the growth of the women’s game.
