U19 WC: Australia, South Africa Keep Winning Streak Alive, New Zealand Claims Victory

Kuala Lumpur, Jan 25 (NationPress) Australia and South Africa maintained their impressive form with emphatic seven-wicket victories against West Indies and Ireland respectively, marking a flawless beginning to their Super Six stage in the 2025 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

New Zealand also secured an 18-run triumph over the USA, launching their Super Six stage on a positive note, while Australia and South Africa are edging closer to semi-final qualifications.

In Kuala Lumpur, Australia dominated the West Indies, bowling them out for just 53 runs, with Eleanor Larosa, Tegan Williamson, and Caoimhe Bray each claiming two wickets. Despite a brief rain interruption, Australia chased down the modest total comfortably, led by skipper Lucy Hamilton, who scored 28.

Australia opted to field first, quickly dismantling the West Indies batting lineup, reducing them to 7/3. Eleanor struck twice, dismissing Asabi Callender and Jahzara Claxton for just one run each, while Grace Lyons executed a brilliant stumping of Naijanni Cumberbatch.

Skipper Samara Ramnath attempted to rally the team with a score of 14 before falling to Juliette Morton, and Tegan added two more wickets, leaving the West Indies at a dismal 31/6. Although Brianna Harricharan managed 17 runs, the team eventually crumbled, with Caoimhe taking two key wickets, including that of Brianna, as the West Indies were bowled out for a mere 53.

In their chase, Australia lost Ines McKeon early but quickly recovered after rain. Lucy and Kate Pelle formed a solid partnership, contributing 38 runs to guide Australia to victory, even as both were dismissed. Caoimhe and Ella Briscoe finished the game.

Meanwhile, in another match in Kuala Lumpur, New Zealand faced challenges after being bowled out for 97, with Ritu Singh claiming five wickets. However, after Disha Dhingra scored 30, New Zealand's bowlers restricted the USA to just 79 runs.

New Zealand started their batting innings strong, with openers Emma McLeod and Kate Irwin hitting three boundaries each. Ritu broke their partnership, and with her exceptional bowling, she ended with figures of 5-15.

While chasing, after an early loss, Disha threatened to dominate with her 30 runs but fell to a catch. Rishika managed to take crucial wickets, and despite a quick 14 from Ritu, the USA were all out for 79.

In Sarawak, rain reduced the match between South Africa and Ireland to just 10 overs per side, with South Africa emerging victorious. Ireland opted to bat but struggled, with Freya Sargent getting out lbw to Fay Cowling.

Kayla Reyneke sparked a collapse with her 3-2, and Monalisa Legodi wreaked havoc with her 4-4, leaving Ireland reeling at 26/7 before they were all out for 35.

South Africa’s chase didn’t start well, losing two wickets in the first over. However, Kayla (16 not out) and Simone Lourens (14) secured the win with a partnership before Kayla sealed the victory.

In another match in Sarawak, rain prevented any play between England and Nigeria, leading both teams to share a point.

Brief Scores: West Indies 53 all out in 16.3 overs (Brianna Harricharan 17, Samara Ramnath 14; Eleanor Larosa 2-6, Caoimhe Bray 2-9) lost to Australia 57/3 in 10.5 overs (Lucy Hamilton 28, Caoimhe Bray 11 not out; Erin Deane 1-5, Naijanni Cumberbatch 1-14) by seven wickets.

New Zealand 97 all out in 19.5 overs (Hannah Francis 25, Rishika Jaswal 17; Ritu Singh 5-15, Maahi Madhavan 1-1) beat USA 79 all out in 17 overs (Disha Dhingra 30, Aditi Chudasama 15; Rishika Jaswal 2-14, Kate Irwin 2-15) by 18 runs.

Ireland 35 all out in 9.4 overs (Freya Sargent 9, Julie McNally 8; Monalisa Legodi 4-4, Kayle Reyneke 3-2) lost to South Africa 36/3 in 6.1 overs (Kayla Reyneke 16 not out, Simone Lourens 14; Jennifer Jackson 2-6, Lara McBride 1-6) by seven wickets.