India made history as the 1st winner of the inaugural Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup. The team made a seven-wicket victory against England in South Africa. The win on Sunday also reaffirms India’s dominance at the U-19 level, with the boys winning the world title in the Caribbean.
After the match, Nooshin Al Khadeer gave an emotional interview on the team’s historic triumph. For the former India international cricket player, this victory marks 18 years after she was part of India’s runners-up finish in the Women’s World Cup in South Africa.
When talking about the victory, the head coach stated, “Awesome! This is like a dream come true moment for all the people back home, who were expecting us to win. I believe things would change for women’s cricket back home, and it was very important for these girls to have one ICC trophy. I am glad and also lucky to be part of this historic side that won the inaugural edition of the U-19 World Cup.”
During the match, India dismissed England for just 68 and reached the target in 14 overs. They achieved this thanks to fast bowler Titas Sadhu, offspinner Archana Devi and leg spinner Parshavi Chopra, who picked up two wickets apiece.
Because of India’s bowlers, only 4 batters from the England team could enter double digits, with Rayana Macdonald-Gay scoring the highest amount of runs with 19.
When the team was chasing their target, India lost their openers early in the chase, but Soumya Tiwari and Gongadi Trisha kept the score moving. At the end of the match, it was Tiwari who hit the winning runs.
While India had won the match, England captain and stellar all-rounder Grace Scrivens was named Player of the Tournament. She finished the tournament as the second-highest run-scorer, hitting 293 runs across seven innings, fewer than just India’s opener Shweta Sehrawat.
When interviewed about England’s loss, the captain admitted her team was disappointed by the manner of their heavy defeat.
After the match, the team received plenty of interviews. “It is just a proud moment, it’s our first world cup,” said Gongadi Trisha (24) with stumps in her hand after the memorable win.
To commemorate the historic victory, the official Twitter handle of the Indian Women’s Cricket Team at BCCI (Board of Control for Cricket in India) shared a short video on the champions.
𝗖.𝗛.𝗔.𝗠.𝗣.𝗜.𝗢.𝗡.𝗦! 🏆🎉
Meet the winners of the inaugural #U19T20WorldCup
INDIA 🇮🇳 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/ljtScy6MXb
— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) January 29, 2023
Several photos and videos were also shared on social media, showing the team celebrating their victory. In one interview, Captain Shafali Verma said she could not hold back tears while lifting the trophy.
“Because of our coaches, we are here with the cup. We have a beautiful team who knows what to do in every game. I am so happy.” Verma said.
In addition to congratulatory messages and celebrations, the BCCI has also announced £500,000 in prize money for the squad.
Aside from rewarding the team, the BCCI had plenty to say about the historic win. “Women’s Cricket in India is on the upswing and the World Cup triumph has taken the stature of women’s cricket several notches higher. I am delighted to announce INR 5 crore for the entire team and support staff as prize money. This is surely a path-breaking year,” BCCI secretary Jay Shah tweeted after the win.
Women’s Cricket in India is on the upswing and the World Cup triumph has taken the stature of women’s cricket several notches higher. I am delighted to announce INR 5 crore for the entire team and support staff as prize money. This is surely a path-breaking year.
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) January 29, 2023