U-19 Women's T20 World Cup Semi-Final: India Crush England, Set Up Final Date With South Africa

So, we all expected a thrilling contest but India were just too good for England today. In all three departments, they flourished and are on their way to another title bout. India Women Under-19 came in as the favourites to win the trophy and are just one step away. However, a big hurdle in the form of South Africa Women Under-19 is waiting for them. South Africa stepped up against the mighty Aussies earlier in the day and will be up for the task against this dominating Indian side. Join us for the all-important clash, THE FINAL, on Sunday, the 2nd of February at 12 pm IST (6.30 am GMT). As always you can join us early on for the coverage. Till then, goodbye and cheers!

Niki Prasad, the victorious captain of India Women Under-19 starts by saying that as a captain she feels proud of the team and it is a special moment for all of them and they are one step closer to the trophy. Adds that they knew England would come hard at them and they were prepared for it and tried to stay calm after that quick start from the opposition. Mentions that all of the players are clear about their roles and can step up when required. Ends by saying that they are excited to play in the final and there are no nerves.

Abigale Norgrove, the captain of England Women Under-19 says they batted with positive intent and credits Davina Perrin for the way they played. Tells there was the pressure of playing in the semi-final. Mentions it was a great effort from the team and says the players gelled together throughout the tournament and are grateful for the support they got.

Parunika Sisodia is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for her game-changing spell with the ball. She starts by thanking her team for the support she has received throughout. Adds that she wanted to keep hitting the same spots and let the ball do the rest. Mentions that she bowls more to batters in the nets rather than bowling just at the empty wickets which has helped her. Ends by saying that the goal is to win the final.

...Presentation...

England Women Under-19 chose to bat first and started well with Davina Perrin taking on the Indian bowlers. She gave the start England wanted and along with the skipper, Abigale Norgrove, England were cruising along nicely, however, then came the downfall no one saw. England surrendered against the Indian spinners. Parunika Sisodia got the first wicket but after that things came down tumbling. Parunika Sisodia and Aayushi Shukla shared 5 wickets while Vaishnavi Sharma came in late to grab three wickets and clear the tail.

The defending champions played like one while England just surrendered when it mattered the most. To be honest, they lost the plot in the first innings after the 10th over mark. From 81/3 they tumbled to 113/8 and from targeting a score near 150, they fell well short. Chasing an under par score, India, who have batted brilliantly throughout the tournament once again started well with the openers, Kamalini G and Trisha Gongadi adding 60 runs. Trisha Gongadi departed but Kamalini G held one end and scored her second fifty on the trot and along with Sanika Chalke took the team over the line.

It's the repeat of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024! INDIA WILL FACE SOUTH AFRICA IN THE FINAL! A dominating effort from a team that didn't allow the opposition to get anyway near the victory line. They have been overwhelmingly good throughout this tournament.

FOUR! Kamalini seals the win in style and INDIA ARE THROUGH TO THE FINAL YET AGAIN! Tossed up on middle and angling in, Kamalini dances down the pitch and heaves it away wide of deep mid-wicket for yet another boundary. India Women Under-19 win by 9 wickets and with 5 overs to spare as well.

Scores are now level! Flighted delivery on off, Sanika Chalke steps out and slices the ball away wide of short third for a single.

Tossed up on middle, Kamalini steps out and lofts it on the bounce to long on for a single.

Flighted up on the stumps, Kamalini charges down the track and ends up jamming it towards mid-wicket.

FOUR MORE! Just one shot away now from victory. Tossed up full and wide, Kamalini G uses her feet to come down the track and drills it wonderfully between mid off and covers for another boundary. Brings up a FIFTY as well, her second in this tournament and what a knock this has been!

FOUR! Up and over! Floated up around off, Kamalini lines it up early, steps down the track and hammers it over mid off for a boundary.

Tossed up around middle and leg, slogged away towards deep square leg for a single by Kamalini.

Dragged length on middle, Kamalini rocks back and blocks it off the inside edge onto the pads.

Drop and run! Floated up around off, Chalke just bunts it out toward point for a quick single.

Bowled flatter and on a length around off, tapped away toward covers.

FOUR LEG BYES! Down the wrong line again! Quick and short, down leg, Sanika Chalke gets tangled while looking to pull and is hurried as the ball clips the pads and runs away into the fine leg fence.

On a dragged length from over the wicket, angled into the pads, Sanika Chalke tucks it away to mid-wicket.