India announces squad for ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup

New Delhi, Dec 24: India on Tuesday named a 15-member squad for the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from January 18 to February 2, 2025. The squad will be led by Niki Prasad, with Sanika Chalke serving as vice-captain.

The team includes two wicketkeepers—Kamalini G. and Bhavika Ahire—along with three standby players: Nandhana S, Ira J, and Anadi T.

India, the defending champions, are placed in Group A along with Malaysia (hosts), West Indies, and Sri Lanka. The tournament will be hosted at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur. India will begin their campaign on January 19, facing West Indies, followed by matches against Malaysia on January 21 and Sri Lanka on January 23.

The top three teams from each group will progress to the Super 6 stage, which will run from January 25 to 29. Group 1 will consist of the top three teams from Groups A and D, while Group 2 will feature the top three teams from Groups B and C. Teams will carry forward their points and net run rates from the group phase. The top two teams from each Super 6 group will qualify for the semifinals on January 31, with the final scheduled for February 2.

Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa, Sri Lanka, and the West Indies have qualified through the 2023 edition, while Malaysia earned automatic qualification as hosts. Nepal, Nigeria, Samoa, Scotland, and the United States secured their spots through regional qualification tournaments.

India Squad: Captain: Niki Prasad Vice-captain: Sanika Chalke

Players: 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.