The Indian women’s under-19 cricket team has created history by winning the inaugural ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup. The team, led by captain Shafali Verma, defeated England by 7 wickets in a dominating final match held at the JB Marks Oval on January 29, 2023.
India’s bowlers laid the foundation for the victory by restricting England to a meager total of 68 runs. Archana Devi, Parshavi Chopra, and Titas Sadhu were the standout performers with the ball, each taking crucial wickets and maintaining tight bowling throughout England’s innings. Parshavi Chopra was particularly impressive, finishing with figures of 4-0-13-2.
Chasing a modest target, the Indian batters showed no signs of nerves. Shafali Verma led from the front with a quickfire 15 off 11 balls, setting the tone for the chase. Soumya Tiwari and Gongadi Trisha then anchored the innings with a steady partnership, guiding India to victory in just 14 overs. Soumya Tiwari remained unbeaten on 24, while Trisha contributed 23 runs to the chase.
Captain Shafali Verma expressed her delight and pride after the match. “This is a historic moment for us. Winning the first-ever Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup is a dream come true. The team has worked incredibly hard, and this victory is a result of that effort. I am proud of every single player and the support staff,” Shafali said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team on their remarkable achievement. “Congratulations to the Indian women’s under-19 cricket team for winning the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup. This historic win reflects their talent, dedication, and hard work. The entire nation is proud of their achievement,” Modi tweeted.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also lauded the team’s performance and announced a cash reward for the players and support staff. “This is a monumental achievement for Indian women’s cricket. The under-19 team’s success at the World Cup is a testament to the depth of talent in our country. We are extremely proud of their accomplishment and look forward to many more successes in the future,” said BCCI President Roger Binny.
The victory at the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup has garnered widespread acclaim and is expected to inspire a new generation of female cricketers in India. As celebrations continue across the nation, the triumph of the under-19 women’s team marks a significant milestone in the history of Indian cricket.
