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The ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup concluded with a resounding victory for India, defeating South Africa in the final. This triumph was further amplified by the exceptional performances of four Indian players who were selected for the tournament's Team of the Tournament. Trisha Gongadi, a standout performer throughout the competition, led the charge, showcasing incredible batting prowess. Her performance was not solely defined by her impressive century against Scotland – a remarkable 110 runs from 59 balls, which included a staggering 186.44 strike rate and a spectacular display of boundary hitting, accumulating 76 runs from fours and sixes. This exceptional innings was only one of four top-15 scores achieved throughout the tournament. Her total of 45 fours stood as a testament to her aggressive batting style, second only to Kamalini’s 23 fours and behind England’s Davina Perrin’s 7 sixes for most sixes hit. In addition to her batting prowess, Trisha demonstrated notable leg-spin bowling skills, securing 7 wickets with an impressive average of 6.42, contributing 3 crucial wickets in the final itself. Her all-around contribution highlighted her versatility and crucial role in India's victory. Her contributions solidify her status as a rising star in women's cricket.
Beyond Trisha's sensational performance, three other Indian players secured places in the coveted Team of the Tournament: G Kamalini, Aayushi Shukla, and Vaishnavi Sharma. Kamalini showcased outstanding batting form, securing two of the tournament's top five individual scores. Her innings of 56 runs off 50 balls against England and 51 runs off 42 balls against Scotland exemplified her consistency and ability to score quickly. Overall, she accumulated 143 runs in 7 innings, averaging 35.75, and notably achieved the most 50s with two during the competition, cementing her position as a key batter for India. Interestingly, Kamalini's journey into cricket is a testament to her natural talent and family support; initially encouraged by her father who noted her superior skills compared to her brother, her cricketing path led her to Chennai to gain more exposure and eventually to the CSK Academy where she hones her skills. Kamalini's progression demonstrates the positive influence of dedicated family support, access to top quality coaching, and commitment to training.
Aayushi Shukla and Vaishnavi Sharma both demonstrated remarkable bowling expertise. Shukla's consistent performance throughout the tournament, resulting in 14 wickets, earned her a well-deserved place in the Team of the Tournament. Her economy rate of 3.01, fifth best in the tournament, showcased her control and precision. Similarly, Vaishnavi Sharma's exceptional bowling prowess was evident in her tournament-leading 17 wickets. Her best bowling figures of 5/5 at an economy of 1.25 against Malaysia highlighted her ability to dismantle opposing batting lineups. She also contributed 3 wickets against Scotland with an equally impressive economy of 2.5 and took two crucial wickets against South Africa in the final. Her consistent performances contributed significantly to India's overall victory. Vaishnavi's bowling average of 4.35 ranked sixth best in the tournament, and her strike rate of 7.76 demonstrated her efficiency in dismissing batters. This remarkable accomplishment cemented her role as a key bowler for India. The synergy between the bowlers was key to India's success.
While these four Indian players rightfully earned their recognition, it’s important to note the exceptional performance of Sanika Chalke, who despite not making the Team of the Tournament, topped the World Cup batting averages chart with an astonishing average of 95. Her consistent performance, scoring 95 runs with 5 not outs from 6 innings, underscored her exceptional skill and contributions to the team's success. This impressive feat deserves recognition alongside the stellar performances of the players who made the final team. The selection of the Team of the Tournament reflects the balanced approach of the judging panel, recognizing talents across different nations and playing styles. The team included players from South Africa (Kayla Reyneke (captain), Jemma Botha, Nthabiseng Nini), England (Davina Perrin, Katie Jones), Australia (Caoimhe Bray), Nepal (Puja Mahato), and Sri Lanka (Chamodi Praboda). This diverse team underscores the depth of talent present in women's international cricket and highlights the success of the U19 World Cup in fostering competition and showcasing emerging talent.
The ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 Team of the Tournament selection panel consisted of prominent commentators Julia Price, HD Ackerman, and Raunak Kapoor, along with Snehal Pradhan, ICC Manager: Women’s Cricket. Their collective expertise and insights ensured a selection that fairly represented the outstanding performances throughout the tournament. The selection process involved considering various statistical metrics, including batting averages, strike rates, bowling averages, and economy rates, alongside the overall impact of each player's performance in crucial matches. The final team composition reflects a balanced representation of different cricketing skills and contributions, which demonstrates a diverse understanding of the strengths of players within the tournament. The victory for India and the individual achievements of their players represent a bright future for women's cricket within the country and inspires a new generation of players.
Source: Know your India U19 WC All Stars Kamalini, Aayushi Shukla, Vaishnavi Sharma and superstar Trisha