India thrash South Africa to defend women's U19 WC title

Trisha and Sanika guide India to secure nine-wicket victory and claim the U19 T20 WC title

- TRIDIB BAPARNASH

India finished the ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup in just the same style they had demonstrated all the way along - with confidence and brilliance as they took South Africa apart in the final and won by nine wickets to retain the title, they won two years ago.

South Africa won the toss and chose to bat first but struggled against India's bowlers throughout the innings. Parunika Sisodia made an early impact, dismissing opener Simone Lourens for a duck, while Shabnam followed with the vital wicket of the dangerous Jemma Botha, leaving South Africa at 20/2 by the end of the 4th over.

Aayushi Sharma added to the pressure, removing Diara Ramlakan and reducing South Africa to 29/3 by the end of the powerplay. A brief partnership between captain Kayla Reyneke and Karabo Meso steadied the innings, but both were dismissed in consecutive overs.