India has unveiled its 15-member squad for the upcoming ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from January 18 to February 2, 2025. The announcement was made by the Women's Selection Committee of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). Niki Prasad, who led India to victory in the inaugural ACC Under-19 Women’s Asia Cup, will captain the squad, with Sanika Chalke serving as vice-captain.
The squad consists of 2 wicketkeepers, Kamalini G as well Bhavika Ahire. Three standby players have also been named: Nandhana S, Ira J, and Anadi T. Notably, Vaishnavi S, a fast bowler, replaces Nandhana S, who is now on the standby list.
India enters the tournament as defending champions and has been placed in Group A alongside Malaysia, the West Indies, and Sri Lanka. The team will kick off their campaign on January 19, 2025, against the West Indies at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur. Their other group-stage matches are scheduled against Sri Lanka on January 22 and Malaysia on January 25.
The tournament will be of 16 teams, divided into 4 groups of 4. After the group stage, the top three teams from each group will advance to the Super Six stage, which will take place from January 25 to 29. The Super Six stage will be split into two groups of six teams, where each team will play against the teams that qualified from the other group. Points from the group stage, including Net Run Rate (NRR), will carry forward.
The top two teams from each Super Six group will qualify for the semifinals, scheduled for January 31, with the final match set for February 2, 2025. India is among the strong contenders, alongside Australia, England, South Africa, and New Zealand, with other teams like Bangladesh, Ireland, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka also in the fray.
India’s Group Stage Fixtures:
January 19: India vs. West Indies January 22: India vs. Sri Lanka January 25: India vs. MalaysiaIndia U19 Squad:
Niki Prasad (captain) Sanika Chalke (vice-captain) G Trisha Kamalini G (wicketkeeper) Bhavika Ahire (wicketkeeper) Ishwari Awasare Mithila Vinod Joshitha VJ Sonam Yadav Parunika Sisodiya Kesari Drithi Aayushi Shukla Anandita Kishor MD Shabnam Vaishnavi S Standby Players: Nandhana S Ira J Anadi TWith a mix of experience and promising talent, India is determined to defend their title and further strengthen their position in women’s youth cricket.