India Women Under-19 lifted the first-ever ACC Under-19 Women's T20 Asia Cup on December 22, 2024, crushing Bangladesh Women Under-19 by 41 runs in a tense final at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur. It wasn’t just a win—it was a statement. With a composed 117/7 in 20 overs, India set a target that looked chaseable until their bowlers, led by Aayushi Shukla and Farjana Easmin, dismantled Bangladesh’s chase for just 76 in 18.3 overs. The trophy wasn’t handed to them; they took it, piece by piece, through discipline, guts, and clutch performances under pressure.
From Group Stage to Glory
The tournament, organized by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), kicked off on December 14 with Sri Lanka thrashing Malaysia by 94 runs and India breezing past Pakistan by nine wickets. But the real story unfolded in the group stage clash between India and Bangladesh on December 19. India, chasing 80, didn’t panic. Gongadi Trisha, just 17, smashed 58 not out off 45 balls—calm, calculated, and utterly ruthless. Aayushi Shukla, the off-spinner, ripped through Bangladesh’s middle order with 3/9 in four overs. That match didn’t just win India points—it built belief.
By the time the Super Four began, India had already shown they were the team to beat. They drew with Nepal, then crushed Pakistan again. Bangladesh, meanwhile, kept winning—beating Nepal by nine wickets in the Super Four—but their path to the final was more fragile. Their net run rate (+1.749) was the best in the tournament, but their wins came against lower-ranked sides. India’s 80% win rate (4 wins, 1 no-result) spoke louder than numbers.
The Final: Pressure, Precision, and Poise
On the final day, Bangladesh won the toss and chose to field. A risky call, given India’s top-order firepower. It backfired. Gongadi Trisha, again, anchored the innings with 52 off 47 balls—her second fifty in the tournament. She didn’t hit sixes; she hit gaps, rotated strike, and punished the loose ones. The rest of the Indian lineup chipped in: 18 from Riya Patel, 14 from Aaradhya Sharma. No one went big, but no one collapsed either. It was a 117 that felt like 150.
Bangladesh’s reply started with promise—Juairiya Ferdous, 16, scraped 22 off 30. But then Aayushi Shukla returned. In her first over, she had Ferdous caught behind. Her second, she trapped the dangerous Sultana Khatun lbw. By the time she was done, she had 3/17 in 3.3 overs. Farjana Easmin, the left-arm spinner, was even more devastating—4/31 in four overs, including three wickets in a single over. Bangladesh’s innings collapsed from 42/2 to 63/8. The crowd fell silent. The scoreboard didn’t lie: 76 all out. India had won by 41 runs.
Who Made the Difference?
Gongadi Trisha wasn’t just the top scorer—she was the heartbeat of the team. Her 110 runs across two innings, including a 58* and a 52, came at a strike rate of 126. She handled pressure like a veteran. Aayushi Shukla, with 11 wickets in five matches, was the quiet assassin. Farjana Easmin, a 16-year-old from Assam, delivered the knockout punch. And captain Aaradhya Sharma? She led with calm, rotated bowlers perfectly, and never let the team lose focus.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s effort was commendable. Their captain, Mosammat Eva, fought hard, scoring 14 in the group stage and leading by example. But their middle order lacked depth. When the pressure came, they folded. That’s the difference between a good team and a champion team.
Why This Matters Beyond the Trophy
This isn’t just about a youth trophy. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has poured resources into women’s development over the last five years. This win proves it’s working. Seven of India’s starting XI were under 17. Three hadn’t even played List A cricket before this tournament. Now? They’ve won an international title. That’s the future of Indian women’s cricket—right here, right now.
For Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, this tournament was a wake-up call. Nepal finished third, but their net run rate (-0.130) exposed their inconsistency. Sri Lanka’s +0.593 was promising, but their losses to Malaysia and Pakistan showed gaps in depth. The ACC’s goal—developing women’s cricket across Asia—is working. But India? They’re not just developing. They’re dominating.
What’s Next?
The next ACC Under-19 Women's T20 Asia Cup is scheduled for 2026. The host is still TBD, but one thing’s certain: every team will be watching India closely. Scouts from England, Australia, and South Africa were in Kuala Lumpur. Several Indian players—Trisha, Shukla, Easmin—are already on radar for future senior squads. This isn’t the end of the journey. It’s the launchpad.
And for the girls who played? They didn’t just win a trophy. They rewrote what’s possible for girls in small towns across India who’ve never seen a stadium up close. Now, they’ve got proof: if you train hard, play smart, and believe—you can stand on top of Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did India’s performance compare to other teams in the tournament?
India won 4 of their 5 matches with an 80% win rate—the highest among all teams. Bangladesh had the best net run rate (+1.749) but lost two matches, including the final. Nepal and Sri Lanka struggled with consistency, while Malaysia and Pakistan failed to win any games. India’s combination of batting depth and disciplined bowling made them the most complete side.
Who were the standout players and what did they achieve?
Gongadi Trisha scored 110 runs in two innings, including a 58* against Bangladesh and a 52 in the final. Aayushi Shukla took 11 wickets overall, with 3/17 in the final. Farjana Easmin’s 4/31 in the final was the best bowling figures in the tournament. These three were named Player of the Match in three of India’s four wins. Trisha was also the tournament’s leading run-scorer among batters.
Why is this tournament significant for women’s cricket in Asia?
This was the first-ever Under-19 women’s T20 tournament organized by the ACC, designed to bridge the gap between domestic and international cricket for young female players. With six nations participating, it provided vital exposure. India’s dominance signals a new power structure in Asian women’s cricket, and other nations now have a clear benchmark to aim for.
What role did the Asian Cricket Council play in organizing this event?
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC), headquartered in Dubai, launched this tournament to accelerate the growth of women’s cricket across Asia. It coordinated logistics, selected venues, and ensured equal broadcast and development support for all six participating boards—from BCCI to MCA. The ACC plans to make this an annual event, with the next edition in 2026.
What does this win mean for future Indian women’s teams?
This victory confirms India’s pipeline of talent is stronger than ever. Several players from this squad are likely to be fast-tracked into the senior U23 or senior national team within 18 months. With the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup in mind, this group could form the core of India’s next generation. Their confidence, tactical awareness, and composure under pressure are already at senior level.
Was the format of the tournament fair and effective?
The group stage followed by Super Four format worked well. It ensured each team played at least four matches, and the top four advanced. The inclusion of no-results from group matches in Super Four standings added realism, since rain-affected games are common in Malaysia’s climate. However, some experts suggest reducing the Super Four to three teams to increase intensity. Still, for a debut tournament, it delivered drama and clarity.
Hi, I'm Arvind Khatri, a multifaceted expert in health care, news, and sports. With a passion for Indian news and sports, I enjoy writing about the latest happenings and trends in these fields. My background in health care allows me to provide valuable insights into the impact on society and individuals alike. I am dedicated to sharing my knowledge and expertise with others to make a positive impact in their lives.