India’s Under-19 women's cricket team began their title defence in the ICC Women's U19 World Cup with an emphatic nine-wicket win over the West Indies at the Bayuemas Oval.
The Indian bowlers produced a scintillating performance, restricting the West Indies to a mere 44 runs in just 13.2 overs. The Indian team achieved the target with ease, chasing down the low total in only 4.2 overs, ensuring a dominant start to their campaign.
After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, India immediately asserted control over the game. The early breakthroughs were led by pacer Joshitha VJ, who was named the Player of the Match for her remarkable spell.
Joshitha struck early, dismissing West Indies’ skipper Samara Ramnath with an lbw for a duck and sending Naijanni Cumberbatch back to the pavilion for a golden duck. Joshitha’s superb opening spell yielded figures of 2-5 in two overs.
Following Joshitha's early success, the spinners took centre stage. Parunika Sisodia and Aayushi Shukla were both outstanding with the ball, claiming crucial wickets at regular intervals.
Parunika finished with impressive figures of 3-7, while Aayushi contributed with 2-6. The two, along with Joshitha’s early strikes, helped India dismiss the West Indies for a paltry total.
In addition to the bowlers’ brilliance, India’s fielding also played a key role in the West Indies’ downfall. The Indian team displayed excellent discipline, executing three vital run-outs that further crippled their opponents' innings.
After these dismissals, Aayushi claimed another wicket, and Parunika added two more to complete the demolition of the West Indies batting line-up.
The West Indies’ shoddy running between the wickets contributed significantly to their downfall, as their batters struggled to find momentum. Despite some resistance from Kenika Cassar and Asabi Callendar, who scored 15 and 12 respectively, the West Indies were left in tatters at just 44 runs.
Chasing the target, India had a minor hiccup as G Trisha was dismissed off the very first ball she faced, caught and bowled by Jahzara Claxton.
However, vice-captain Sanika Chalke and wicketkeeper G Kamalini took charge of the chase, ensuring the target was reached comfortably. Sanika played a crucial knock, striking three boundaries, including some delightful shots through the cover region.
Kamalini, too, contributed with three boundaries, including the winning shot, which sailed over the keeper’s head to secure India’s dominant victory.
The Indian women’s team showcased their strength in both batting and bowling, beginning their U19 World Cup campaign on a high note. With this commanding victory, India sent a strong message to the other teams, underlining their determination to retain the title.
India’s next match is scheduled against the hosts, Malaysia, on Tuesday. The team will look to continue their winning streak after the dominant performance in the opening match.
Brief Scores: West Indies: 44 all out in 13.2 overs (Kenika Cassar 15, Asabi Callendar 12; Parunika Sisodia 3-7, Joshitha VJ 2-5) India: 47/1 in 4.2 overs (Sanika Chalke 18 not out, G Kamalini 16 not out; Jahzara Claxton 1-18) India won by nine wickets
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