On February 2, 2025, India’s U-19 Women’s Cricket Team made history by winning the inaugural ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup. Under the leadership of captain Niki Prasad, the Indian team triumphed over South Africa, defeating them by nine wickets in the final at Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This victory not only secured India’s position as the first-ever champions of the U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup but also marked a major milestone in the development of women’s cricket in India.
A memorable moment of this historic victory came when Captain Niki Prasad was photographed kissing the World Cup trophy. This act symbolized the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice by the young players and their coaches. For Prasad, this was more than just a personal achievement; it was the realization of a dream for the entire team, the BCCI, and Indian women’s cricket. The captain’s kiss on the trophy captured the joy and pride felt by every member of the team after a successful campaign.
India’s path to the final was marked by impressive performances throughout the tournament, both with the bat and ball. In the final against South Africa, India’s bowlers set the tone early, restricting South Africa to a modest total of 82 runs. The Indian spinners, particularly Trisha Gongadi, were instrumental in dismantling the South African batting lineup. Gongadi’s remarkable figures of 3 wickets for 15 runs left South Africa struggling to build any momentum. The Indian team’s disciplined fielding and well-executed bowling spells ensured that South Africa could never get going in their innings.
With the target set at just 83 runs, the Indian team went into the chase with confidence. Gongadi, who had already contributed with the ball, played an instrumental role with the bat as well. She scored an unbeaten 44 runs off 33 balls, anchoring the chase with composure and skill. Alongside her, Sanika Chalke remained not out on 26 runs from 22 balls. The pair guided India to the target in just 11.2 overs, securing a comfortable nine-wicket victory.
The leadership of Niki Prasad throughout the tournament was exceptional. She led by example both on and off the field, and her calm demeanor and sharp decision-making played a crucial role in the team’s success. Reflecting on the team’s victory, Prasad expressed her immense pride, saying, “We wanted to go out there and show what we can do. I’m feeling happy that I’m right here standing, making sure India stays on top. It’s a special moment.” Her words encapsulated the unity and determination of the team, who had worked tirelessly to achieve this remarkable feat.
In recognition of their success, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a reward of ₹5 crore for the players and support staff. This reward not only celebrates the team’s achievement but also underscores the importance of nurturing young talent in Indian cricket.
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