History created in South Africa as India lift the inaugural edition of the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup

Before India met England in the finals, there were a lot of noises that screamed that the Women in Blue haven’t yet confronted a stern test in the tournament, and when the English lionesses come knocking, chances are rare that they would prove equal to their counterparts. However, when England did come knocking, India showed the world why they were truly deserving of the world’s crown.

Relying on their disciplined bowling, the Indian women were tasked with fielding first as Shafali Verma wanted to chase on a surface that had a decent amount of drift adorning it. Much to England’s surprise, Titas Sadhu drew first blood for India, removing Liberty Heap for a silver duck.

Making things worse for England, India dealt a crucial double whammy, removing two of England’s most menacing batters in the form of Niamh Holland and Grace Scrivers. Despite all the talk of the hefty pyrotechnics in the English echelons, the Indian bowlers combined perfectly with some electric fielding in the hut, forcing mortification upon the Three Lionesses as they were skittled out for a paltry 68.

It was a collective show of brilliance from the Indian bowlers as Titas Sadhu, Archana Devi and Parshavi Chopra plundered 6 wickets between them while the others kept things tight with bursts of fielding excellence in the field.

Chasing 69 to win, Shafali Verma wanted to get some early steam in the sails and started on a fine note too. However, the early dynamics proved to be insignificant as Hannah Baker and Grace Scrivens struck in quick succession to force India into a bit of a stance change.

Irrespective of the early blows, two stalwarts of the middle-order, Soumya Tiwari and Gongadi Trisha seemed to be in fine touch as the duo put up a 46-runs stand for the third wicket. Much to their disappointment, India lost Trisha just ahead of the finish line. It was Soumya Tiwari who administered the coup de grace for India, registering history in South Africa as India lifted the inaugural edition of the U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.