India Keeps U19 Women's Cup Champions for Title Defense
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Mumbai, Dec 24 (NationPress) Niki Prasad will lead India in the U19 Women's World Cup as the defending champions have announced a 15-member squad aimed at retaining the title.
Under Niki's guidance, India captured the inaugural U19 Women's Asia Cup trophy earlier this week in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Interestingly, the U19 Women's World Cup is also set to take place in Malaysia from January 18 to February 2, 2025.
India stands as the reigning champion of this event, having secured the inaugural title under Shafali Verma's captaincy in 2023 in South Africa.
From the victorious U19 Women's Asia Cup squad, Vaishnavi S has been included in the main squad, taking the place of Nandhana S, who will be a reserve.
Sanika Chalke has been appointed as Niki's vice-captain, while Kamalini G and Bhavika Ahire will serve as the wicketkeepers in the squad.
There are a total of 4 groups, each consisting of four teams. India finds itself in Group A alongside hosts Malaysia, the West Indies, and Sri Lanka.
Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur will host India's group stage matches. India will kick off their campaign against the West Indies on January 19.
After the group stage, three teams from each group will progress to the Super Six.
The 12 teams qualifying for the Super Six will be split into two groups. Group 1 will include the top three teams from Group A and Group D, while Group 2 will comprise the top three teams from Group B and Group C.
In the Super Six stage, each team will carry forward their wins, points, and Net Run-rate (NRR) earned against fellow qualifying teams. Each team will play two matches in the Super Six, facing opponents from the corresponding groups that finished in different positions.
The top two teams from each Super Six group will advance to the semifinals, scheduled for January 31, 2025. The tournament's Final will take place on February 2, 2025.
Squad: Niki Prasad (Captain), Sanika Chalke (Vice-captain), G Trisha, Kamalini G (WK), Bhavika Ahire (WK), Ishwari Awasare, Mithila Vinod, Joshitha VJ, Sonam Yadav, Parunika Sisodiya, Kesari Drithi, Aayushi Shukla, Anandita Kishor, MD Shabnam, Vaishnavi S
Standby players: Nandhana S, Ira J, Anadi T
