Kuala Lumpur, Feb 3 (PTI): Fresh from their triumph in the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup, India stamped their authority yet again as four of their star players secured spots in the ICC’s ‘Team of the Tournament.’ The recently concluded tournament saw India outshine South Africa by nine wickets in the final, successfully defending the title they first clinched in 2023.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) acknowledged the stellar performances of Indian players, with G Trisha, G Kamalini, Vaishnavi Sharma, and Ayushi Shukla earning well-deserved places in the honorary line-up. Trisha, who was named Player of the Tournament, led the charge both with the bat and the ball, amassing 309 runs, including a century against Scotland—the first-ever three-digit score in the competition’s history. She averaged an impressive 77.25and maintained a striking rate of over 147, besides contributing with seven wickets using her leg-spin.
Her opening partner, G Kamalini, played a crucial role in India’s campaign, scoring 143 runs. One of her most significant contributions was an unbeaten 56 off 50 balls in the semi-final against England, steering India into the summit clash.
India’s left-arm spin duo also made a lasting impact—Ayushi Shukla bagged 14 wickets, including a vital 2/9 in the final against South Africa, while Vaishnavi Sharma emerged as the tournament’s top wicket-taker with 17 scalps, highlighted by her sensational 5/5 spell against Malaysia, which included a hat-trick.
Alongside the Indian stars, the ICC’s team featured Jemma Botha (South Africa), Davina Perrin (England), Caoimhe Bray (Australia), Chamodi Praboda (Sri Lanka), Puja Mahato (Nepal), and Katie Jones (England). South Africa’s Kayla Reyneke was named the captain of the squad, while Proteas pacer Nthabiseng Nini was selected as the 12th player after claiming six wickets in the tournament.
India’s comprehensive dominance throughout the tournament, capped with a commanding final win, cements their reputation as a powerhouse in women’s under-19 cricket.
