TALKING POINT: Brave choice by South Africa to bat first?
The Proteas have opted to bat first in overcast conditions and a tricky pitch that has plenty for the batters and bowlers alike. South Africa has had just one full game with rain interrupting their campaign severely. The one full game came against the mighty Aussies who South Africa beat, much like their senior side did in the Senior Women’s T20 World Cup a few months ago.
Batting against a strong Indian bowling unit whose spin attack has thrived in Malaysia will be the big challenge. A strong total will keep the final competitive. India’s left-arm spin trio will want to do everything in its might to prevent gains for the Proteas.
TALKING POINT: Strategic use of spin in PowerPlay
Jemma Botha came out looking to attack India’s pacers and the early movement the ball might allow to find the boundary. Niki Prasad strategically threw the new ball to Parunika Sisodia in the second over and it reaped benefits immediately with Simone Lourens falling for a duck after struggling with the line. Aayushi Shukla was then introduced in the fourth over and she took out Diara Ramlakan for an eight-ball three. The bigger advantage with Aayushi is that she did not concede a single run in her two PowerPlay overs. Niki Prasad then decided to give G Trisha’s leg spin some room to keep the pressure going from the PowerPlay. South Africa was just not able to break through, proceeding cautiously after losing its top three.
TALKING POINT: India masters the art of dot ball pressure
South Africa was largely unable to access the leg side courtesy tight stump to stump bowling and a lack of space to open their arms. Tight fields also meant there was no scope to run the ones and twos. Before the innings began, the conditions ruled out the sweep as an option to get runs. South Africa learnt it the hard way, with some shoddy footwork and India’s discipline with its line and length causing one dismissal after another. Eventually, the South African innings had over 12 overs of just dot balls.
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – FEBRUARY 01: (EDITOR’S NOTE: Image has been digitally retouched) Kayla Reyneke, Captain of South Africa and Niki Prasad, Captain of India pose for a photo with the Trophy ahead of the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2025 Final between South Africa and India at Independence Square on February 01, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
| Photo Credit:
Matthew Lewis-ICC
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – FEBRUARY 01: (EDITOR’S NOTE: Image has been digitally retouched) Kayla Reyneke, Captain of South Africa and Niki Prasad, Captain of India pose for a photo with the Trophy ahead of the ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup 2025 Final between South Africa and India at Independence Square on February 01, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
| Photo Credit:
Matthew Lewis-ICC
OVERVIEW:
India will look to defend its crown as it takes on South Africa in the final of the 2025 U19 T20 Women’s World Cup at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.
Both teams have been in supreme form throughout the tournament, remaining unbeaten on their road to the summit clash.
South Africa clinched a five-wicket win against Australia in the first semifinal, while India beat England by nine wickets in the second semifinal to book a place in the final.
Where to watch the India vs South Africa U19 Women’s T20 World Cup final in India?
India vs South Africa ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 final will be broadcast live in India on the Star Sports Network. The final will also be live streamed on the Disney+Hotstar app and website.
Squads
India: Niki Prasad (c), Sanika Chalke, G Trisha, Kamalini G, Bhavika Ahire, Ishwari Awasare, Mithila Vinod, Joshitha VJ, Sonam Yadav, Parunika Sisodiya, Kesari Drithi, Aayushi Shukla, Anandita Kishor, MD Shabnam, Vaishnavi S.
South Africa: Jemma Botha, Simone Lourens, Fay Cowling, Kayla Reyneke (c), Karabo Meso (wk), Mieke van Voorst, Seshnie Naidu, Luyanda Nzuza, Ashleigh van Wyk, Monalisa Legodi, Nthabiseng Nini, Diara Ramlakan, Jae Leigh Filander, Diedré van Rensburg, Chanel Venter.
