The ICC U19 T20 World Cup 2025 kicked off with a mix of thrilling contests, dominant performances, and unfortunate interruptions as the young talents from across the globe showcased their potential.
Australia, Bangladesh, and South Africa began their campaigns on a high note with commanding victories, while persistent rain played spoilsport in several matches.
Australia cruised to a nine-wicket win against Scotland, and Bangladesh secured a five-wicket victory over Nepal, displaying their all-round prowess. Meanwhile, South Africa outclassed New Zealand in a rain-affected clash, triumphing by 22 runs.
However, weather disruptions led to no results in the England-Ireland and Pakistan-USA encounters, while the Nigeria-Samoa game was abandoned without a ball bowled, adding a somber tone to an otherwise exciting start to the tournament.
Match 1- Scotland U19 vs Australia U19: Australia U19 Won By 9 Wickets
The opening match of Group D in the ICC U19 T20 World Cup 2025 between Scotland Under-19s and Australia Under-19s at the YSD-UKM Cricket Oval, Bangi, was a one-sided affair dominated by the Australians.
Electing to field after winning the toss, Australia’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding dismantled Scotland for a mere 48 runs, setting the stage for an easy chase.
Scotland’s batting lineup struggled to find any rhythm against a potent Australian attack. The innings began with early wickets as Pippa Kelly was bowled by Eleanor Larosa in the second over, setting the tone for a challenging outing.
Caoimhe Bray, the eventual Player of the Match, delivered a masterclass in precision and consistency, claiming figures of 3 for 1 in 3.1 overs. Her spell included crucial dismissals of captain Niamh Muir, Pippa Sproul, and Mollie Parker.
Larosa provided strong support with her three wickets for just seven runs, while Hasrat Gill chipped in with two scalps. Scotland’s top scorer, Emma Walsingham, managed a cautious 12 runs off 31 balls but found no support from her teammates. The innings folded in 15.1 overs, with extras contributing a significant nine runs to their total of 48.
Australia’s chase was clinical and efficient, underscoring their dominance in all departments. Openers Kate Pelle and Ines McKeon provided a strong start, with Pelle taking the attack to the Scottish bowlers.
She smashed 29 not out off 18 deliveries, including three sixes, setting a brisk scoring rate. McKeon supported with a measured 12 before being stumped off Nayma Sheikh’s bowling. Lucy Hamilton joined Pelle to complete the chase in just 6.4 overs, ensuring an emphatic nine-wicket victory with 80 balls to spare.
Scotland’s bowlers found little joy, with Sheikh’s solitary wicket being the only bright spot. Mollie Parker endured a particularly tough outing, conceding 20 runs in her single over, while Maisie Maceira and Ammy Baldie were also expensive.
The match highlighted Australia’s strength and preparation as they showcased their depth with a well-rounded performance. Bray’s brilliant spell stood out as a key factor in dismantling Scotland’s batting lineup. This dominant win not only gives Australia a perfect start but also sends a strong message to their Group D opponents about their intentions in the competition.
Match 2- England U19 vs Ireland U19: No Result
The second match of Group B in the ICC U19 T20 World Cup 2025 between England Under-19s and Ireland Under-19s at the Johor Cricket Academy Oval ended in a no result due to rain. However, the brief action on the field provided glimpses of promise from both sides.
England Under-19s batted first and posted a competitive total of 144/7 in their allotted 20 overs. Davina Perrin set the tone with an aggressive 26 off 19 balls, including three boundaries and a six, before being run out.
While Erin Thomas fell cheaply, Charlotte Stubbs anchored the innings with a composed 31 off 34 deliveries. Captain Abi Norgrove contributed a brisk 9, but the innings gained momentum thanks to Jemima Spence, who remained unbeaten on 37 off 27, showcasing her intent with two boundaries and a six.
Charlotte Lambert provided a late flourish with a quickfire 25 off 14, smashing a boundary and two sixes to propel the team to a solid score. Ireland’s bowlers had mixed success, with Ellie McGee being the standout performer, claiming 2/20 in her three overs. Lara McBride and Kia McCartney chipped in with a wicket each, while Freya Sargent had an expensive outing despite picking up a wicket. Ireland’s fielding also played a role, with two run-outs aiding their cause.
Chasing a target of 145, Ireland Under-19s got off to a shaky start, losing opener Freya Sargent to a run-out without facing a ball. Alice Walsh tried to steady the ship with 10 off 13 but was also run out in the fourth over.
Rebecca Lowe injected some momentum with a swift unbeaten 14 off 8 balls, including two boundaries, but the chase never got a chance to unfold fully. At 28/2 after 3.5 overs, the heavens opened, and no further play was possible.
England used four bowlers in Ireland’s brief innings. Tilly Corteen-Coleman bowled economically, conceding just one run in her sole over, while Charlotte Lambert, Grace Thompson, and Prisha Thanawala found themselves under pressure from Lowe’s counter-attack.
The match had its share of bright performances, with England’s middle order showing resilience and Ireland displaying flashes of brilliance with both bat and ball. However, the abrupt end left both teams sharing the points and denied fans a full contest. As the tournament progresses, both sides will aim to build on their positives and refine their strategies in pursuit of further success.
Match 3- Nigeria U19 vs Samoa U19: Match Abandoned Without A Ball Bowled
Match 4- Nepal U19 vs Bangladesh U19: Bangladesh U19 Won By 5 Wickets
In a low-scoring encounter at the YSD-UKM Cricket Oval in Bangi, Bangladesh Under-19s emerged victorious by five wickets over Nepal Under-19s in the 4th match of Group D at the ICC U19 T20 World Cup 2025.
Winning the toss, Bangladesh opted to field first, a decision that paid off handsomely as their disciplined bowling and sharp fielding dismantled Nepal’s batting lineup, restricting them to a modest total.
Nepal began their innings cautiously, with opener Sana Praveen holding one end together. However, regular breakthroughs by the Bangladesh bowlers kept Nepal from building any substantial partnerships. Praveen’s 19 off 32 balls was the highest individual score for Nepal, highlighting the lack of fluency in their innings.
Bangladesh’s bowlers, led by Player of the Match Jannatul Maoua, maintained tight lines and exploited the conditions effectively. Maoua claimed 2 for 11 in her four overs, dismissing Praveen and Kiran Kunwar, while Anisa Akter Soba and Fahomida Choya chipped in with a wicket each. Four Nepali batters were run out, reflecting Bangladesh’s sharp fielding efforts.
Nepal’s innings never gained momentum, with wickets falling at regular intervals. They eventually folded for 52 in 18.2 overs. Apart from Praveen, Seemana KC contributed 10, and Riya Sharma added a late flourish with 5 not out off 4 balls. Bangladesh’s bowling unit was clinical, with all bowlers maintaining economy rates below four runs per over, showcasing their collective discipline.
Chasing a target of 53, Bangladesh encountered some early jitters as Nepal’s bowlers struck early blows. Rachana Chaudhary removed opener Sumaiya Akther for 4 in the first over, while Riya Sharma and Seemana KC kept the pressure on with tidy spells. At 11 for 3 in the third over, Nepal sensed an opportunity to stage an upset.
However, Sadia Islam (16 off 24) and captain Sumaiya Akter (12 off 24) steadied the ship with a cautious partnership. Although Nepal continued to pick up wickets to keep the game alive, the target proved too small to defend.
Afia Ashima (9*) and Jannatul Maoua (5*) ensured there were no further hiccups, guiding Bangladesh home in 13.2 overs with 40 balls to spare. Despite Nepal’s commendable effort in the field, their inability to set a challenging target ultimately cost them the game.
This match highlighted the gulf in batting depth and composure between the two sides. Bangladesh’s disciplined bowling and superior fielding, coupled with their batters’ ability to absorb pressure, ensured a comfortable victory. Jannatul Maoua deservedly earned the Player of the Match award for her impactful bowling performance that set the tone for Bangladesh’s dominance.
Match 5- Pakistan U19 vs USA U19: Match Abandoned Without A Ball Bowled
Match 6- South Africa U19 vs New Zealand U19: South Africa U19 Won By 22 Runs
In a tightly contested encounter at the Borneo Cricket Ground in Kuching, South Africa Under-19s secured a hard-fought 22-run victory over New Zealand Under-19s in the ICC U19 T20 World Cup 2025.
The match, limited to 11 overs per side due to rain, showcased brilliant individual performances and strategic gameplay, ultimately allowing South Africa to defend their modest total successfully.
After losing the toss and being put into bat, South Africa made a promising start, with Jemma Botha and Simone Lourens laying a strong foundation. Botha, who later earned the Player of the Match award, played an aggressive knock of 32 off 24 balls, featuring two boundaries and a six. Her intent and ability to capitalize on loose deliveries set the tone for the innings.
Lourens complemented her well, smashing 21 off just 14 balls, including two sixes, before being stumped by Darcy Prasad off Rishika Jaswal.
Despite the strong start, South Africa faltered in the middle overs as Ayaan Lambat dismantled their batting lineup with her disciplined bowling. Lambat’s remarkable figures of 3 for 6 in her two overs included key dismissals, stalling South Africa’s momentum.
Karabo Meso, however, played a quickfire cameo of 25 off 14 balls, ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking. Her innings, highlighted by four boundaries and a six, proved critical in pushing South Africa to 91 for 7 in their allotted 11 overs.
New Zealand’s chase began with promise as Emma McLeod anchored the innings with a well-crafted 34 off 25 balls. Her stroke play and aggression, punctuated by five boundaries and a six, kept the Kiwis in contention during the powerplay.
However, wickets at crucial junctures derailed their pursuit. Kayla Reyneke’s double strike in the fifth over, which included the dismissals of Kate Irwin and Anika Todd, shifted the momentum back to South Africa.
Monalisa Legodi further tightened the screws, claiming 2 for 8 in her two overs. Her crucial breakthroughs, including the dismissals of McLeod and New Zealand skipper Tash Wakelin, left the Kiwis struggling to maintain the required run rate.
The South African bowlers collectively displayed discipline and control, with Reyneke finishing with figures of 2 for 15 and Luyanda Nzuza conceding just 13 runs in her spell.
New Zealand ultimately fell short, managing only 69 for 5 in their 11 overs. The South African fielding unit was also instrumental, with a sharp run-out from wicketkeeper Meso dismissing Darcy Prasad and adding to New Zealand’s woes.
This victory highlighted South Africa’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure, with Jemma Botha’s all-round contributions standing out as the defining factor. The result leaves South Africa in a strong position in Group C, showcasing their potential as serious contenders in the ICC U19 T20 World Cup 2025.
Click Here to get the latest news related to Women’s Cricket. You can also check about Match predictions here. Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more updates.