KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 19 (2025) – Defending champions India began their ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 campaign in emphatic fashion, crushing the West Indies by nine wickets in their Group A opener at the Bayuemas Oval in Malaysia. A brilliant bowling performance, spearheaded by Player of the Match VJ Joshitha, set the stage for a straightforward chase, which India accomplished in just 4.2 overs.
After winning the toss and electing to field, India’s bowlers delivered a near-perfect performance, dismantling the West Indies batting lineup for a mere 44 runs in 13.2 overs. VJ Joshitha struck early, removing West Indies skipper Samara Ramnath and Naijanni Cumberbatch with consecutive deliveries in the fourth over, leaving the opposition reeling.
The carnage continued as Jahzara Claxton and Brianna Harricharan fell in quick succession, leaving West Indies struggling at 17-4 by the sixth over. Brief resistance came from Asabi Callendar and Kenika Cassar, but Callendar’s run-out in the eighth over triggered another collapse.
India’s sharp fielding contributed to three run-outs, with Abigail Bryce and Amiah Gilbert managing just one run apiece before departing. Kenika Cassar, the sole batter to reach double digits with a gritty 15, was eventually bowled by Parunika Sisodia, who finished with impressive figures of 3/7. The tail offered little resistance, as Kristen Sutherland was bowled by Aayushi Shukla and Selena Ross fell to a sharp caught-and-bowled effort by Sisodia.
Chasing a modest target of 45, India made quick work of the task despite a hiccup on the second ball of the innings when opener Gongadi Trisha was caught and bowled by Claxton. Wicketkeeper-batter G Kamalini and Sanika Chalke then took charge, combining for an unbeaten 43-run partnership in just four overs. Chalke remained unbeaten on 18 as India sealed victory with ease.
India’s dominance in this opening encounter sets the tone for their title defense. Their next challenge will be against host nation Malaysia on Tuesday, followed by a clash with Sri Lanka on Thursday to round off their Group A matches.
Brief Scores:
West Indies: 44 all out in 13.2 overs (Kenika Cassar 15; Parunika Sisodia 3/7)
India: 47/1 in 4.2 overs (Sanika Chalke 18*; Jahzara Claxton 1/18)
With their bowling attack firing on all cylinders and batters showing composure, India looks poised for another strong tournament performance.
