U19 World Cup: Bangladesh, South Africa, and Australia Claim Wins on Rainy Opening Day
Click to start listening
Synopsis
On the rain-affected first day of the 2025 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, Bangladesh, South Africa, and Australia celebrated victories. The South Africans edged out New Zealand by 22 runs, while Bangladesh triumphed over Nepal by five wickets. However, several matches were abandoned due to the weather.
Key Takeaways
- Bangladesh defeated Nepal by five wickets.
- South Africa won against New Zealand using the DLS method.
- Australia secured a convincing victory over Scotland.
- Three matches were abandoned due to rain.
- Younger players like Caoimhe Bray made impressive performances.
Kuala Lumpur, Jan 18 (NationPress) Bangladesh, South Africa, and Australia achieved success during a rain-impacted inaugural day of the 2025 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup. The Proteas triumphed over New Zealand by 22 runs using the DLS method, while Bangladesh secured a victory against Nepal by five wickets.
Young all-rounder Caoimhe Bray excelled with impressive figures of 3/1 as Australia overcame Scotland by nine wickets. However, three matches – England against Ireland, Nigeria versus Samoa, and USA facing Pakistan - were canceled due to inclement weather throughout Malaysia.
In their Group C encounter in Borneo, the match was abbreviated to 11 overs, with South Africa starting strong with the first fifty partnership of the World Cup, featuring Simone Lourens and Jemma Botha.
New Zealand retaliated as Ayaan Lambat took out top scorer Jemma and Fay Cowling in consecutive deliveries, while Karabo Meso contributed 25 runs, pushing South Africa to 91/7. Emma McLeod spearheaded the chase for New Zealand, punishing South Africa with consecutive fours after surviving a drop at 10.
She was dropped again but a remarkable catch from Luyanda Nzuza ended the opening partnership at 33 runs as Kate Irwin was dismissed alongside Anika Todd a ball later. Emma scored 34 before South Africa tightened their grip on the match, with captain Kayla Reyneke taking three wickets to restrict the junior White Ferns to 69/5.
In Kuala Lumpur, Nepal faced difficulties in their World Cup debut as no player managed to settle in, with Sana Praveen top-scoring at 19 off 32 balls. Following her dismissal, Nepal collapsed to 30 for five within 12 overs.
Seemana KC attempted to accelerate the scoring, but Bangladesh maintained an economical bowling display, with Jannatul Maoua claiming 2-11 over four overs, as Nepal was all out for 52 in 18.2 overs. In response, Bangladesh also faltered, falling to 11-3 in the third over. However, Sadia Islam (16) and Sumaiya Akter (12) steadied the ship, with Jannatul finishing the chase successfully.
Meanwhile, Caoimhe, aged 15, made a significant impression on the global stage, claiming 3-1 and executing a stunning diving catch in Australia’s commanding victory. Eleanor Larosa set the tone by dismissing Pippa Kelly in her opening over, also securing three wickets.
Caoimhe took the final wicket as Scotland was bowled out for 48, with Emma Walsingham scoring 12 runs. Kate Pelle led the scoring for Australia, hitting Mollie Parker for three sixes in the first over.
The opening pair resumed after a brief rain interruption but faced challenges as Kate was dropped on 28 before McKeon was stumped for 12 off Nayma Sheikh’s bowling. Captain Lucy Hamilton struck the winning runs as Australia completed their chase in just 6.4 overs.
In Johor, England set a robust target of 144, but Ireland’s chase was interrupted after merely 23 balls due to rain, resulting in the match being abandoned. After batting first, England opener Davina Perrin set the pace with 26 runs off 19 balls before being run out.
Charlotte Stubbs contributed significantly with 31 runs before becoming the first of Ellie McGee's two scalps. England formed strong partnerships that propelled them past 140, with top scorer Jemima Spence departing for 37 on the final ball.
In reply, Freya Sargent and Alice Walsh were run out early, but Rebecca Lowe's strong batting saw Ireland reach 28/2 in 3.5 overs before rain disrupted play. The two teams managed some playtime, while Nigeria-Samoa and USA-Pakistan didn't get the opportunity to play at all, witnessing rain spoil their opening day of the World Cup.
Brief Scores: Scotland 48 all out in 15.1 overs (Emma Walsingham 12, Charlotte Nevard 10; Caoimhe Bray 3-1, Eleanor Larosa 3-7) lost to Australia 49/1 in 6.4 overs (Kate Pelle 29, Ines McKeon 12; Nayma Sheikh 1-2) by nine wickets.
England 144/7 in 20 overs (Jemima Spence 37, Charlotte Stubbs 31; Ellie McGee 2-20, Kia McCartney 1-9) versus Ireland 28/2 in 3.5 overs (Rebecca Lowe 16, Alice Walsh 10; Charlotte Lambert 1-4) - match abandoned due to rain.
Nepal 52 all out in 18.2 overs (Sana Praveen 19, Seemana KC, Jannatul Maoua 2/11, Mst Anisa Akter Soba 1-6) lost to Bangladesh 53/5 in 13.2 overs (Sadia Islam 16, Sumaiya Akter 12; Seeman KC 1-10, Riya Sharma 1-10) by five wickets.
South Africa 91/7 in 11 overs (Jemma Botha 32, Karabo Meso 25; Ayaan Lambat 3-6; Tash Wakelin 2-18) defeated New Zealand 69/5 in 11 overs (Emma McLeod 34, Eve Wolland 12; Kayla Reyneke 3-15, Monalisa Legodi 2-8) by 22 runs via DLS method.
