U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025: India Begin Title Defence With Dominant Win; Sri Lanka Claim Big Win Over Hosts Malaysia

Add as a preferred source on Google

ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup 2025: Reigning champions India got their title defence off to the perfect start with a nine-wicket victory over West Indies after Sri Lanka dominated the hosts Malaysia in the double-header on Sunday (January 19) in Kuala Lumpur.

India were ruthless with the ball and in the field before chasing down their target of 45 inside the powerplay in the second match of the day at the Bayuemas Oval, where Sri Lanka also outclassed their opponents in Sunday's first fixture.

Sisodia sets up India win

The West Indies felt the pressure from the get-go having been put into bat. VJ Joshitha proceeded to trap captain Samara Ramnath lbw before Sanika Chalke took a flying catch to give her two wickets in two balls.

The Windies soon slipped to 17 for four as Brianna Harricharan became the third of five ducks in the innings. Kenika Cassar produced the top score of the innings with 15 but became one of Parunika Sisodia's three wickets, leaving the Windies eventually bowled out for 44 in 13.2 overs.

In reply, India scored 16 from an eventful first over that saw Gongadi Trisha dismissed the ball after finding the first boundary of the innings. G Kamalini and Sanika Chalke shared the required 43-run, second-wicket stand that powered their side to an emphatic victory in just 4.2 overs.

Kavinidi And Praboda Star For Lanka Eves

Sri Lanka started with ferocity as Sajana Kavindi blasted 30 from 13 balls, including six fours. She and Sumudu Nisansala built a 40-run opening partnership before Nisansala became the first-ever wicket for Malaysia as off-spinner Nur Dania Syuhada made history.

Sanethma and Hiruni Kumari put on 49 for the fourth wicket before Sanethma powered on to the maiden fifty of the World Cup to see Sri Lanka set 163 to win.

In reply, Nur Aliya scored Malaysia's first World Cup run but from there Sri Lanka took control as Praboda took two wickets in two balls. Malaysia were reduced to 17 for six in the ninth over thanks to a direct hit from Aseni Thalagune and were eventually bowled out for 23 to see their first match end in defeat.