India successfully defend women's U-19 T20 World Cup trophy

The Indian U-19 women's team stunned the world with an electric performance as they ran roughshod over South Africa in the final of the ICC Women’s U-19 T20 World Cup. Winning the toss at Kuala Lumpur, South Africa opted to bat first. However, an early slide for the Proteas was too hot to handle as India cut through them like a sartorial knife in human form, carving accuracy and precision.

Parunika Sisodia provided South Africa the opening blow in the form of Simone Lourens (0) while Shabnam Shakil got the better of Jemma Botha (16) to leave the Proteas in a spot of bother. Aayushi Shukla was next to join the party claiming the crucial scalp of Diara Ramlakan (3) followed by Gongadi Trisha’s strike of the opposition skipper, Kayla Reyneke (7).

Mieke van Voorst (23) was the only South African who could put up a show of resistance but that wasn’t enough for the Proteas. The Indian bowlers were on their toes, chipping away at the wickets consistently. India skittled out South Africa for 82 on the last ball of the innings as Gongadi Trisha led the charge with figures of 3/15.

Despite G Kamalini falling early, Gongadi Trisha (44*) and Sanika Chalke (26*) ensured the fact that India crossed the finishing line without any fuss whatsoever as they registered a staggering nine-wicket victory. Gongadi Trisha was the Player of the Match for the final for her all-round performance while she was also the Player of the Series with numbers of 309 runs and seven wickets.