India have become the first ever ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup finalist after a dominant, eight-wicket victory over New Zealand Under 19 in the first semi-final at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom.
Shweta Sehrawat’s stunning, unbeaten 61* from just 45 balls propelled India to victory with 34 balls to spare, after they had restricted New Zealand to 107 for nine.
Earlier, India had served up one of their finest displays in the field, catching smartly and bowling wicket to wicket. Sensing that the pitch was playing slower, they also dragged their lengths back somewhat, forcing NZU19 to play more cross-bat shots.
The result was several of the New Zealand stars being caught at mid-wicket, or behind square on the leg side. The dangerous Georgia Plimmer (35 off 32 balls) was caught at deep square, just as she looked to be dragging her side back into the game.
The real damage was done right upfront by India, though.
Anna Browning was beautifully nudged out by Mannat Kashyap, who got one to dip and turn. The edge was snapped up by Tiwari at slip.
New Zealand’s other opener, Emma McLeod, was then trapped in front by Titas Sadhu, as she tried to force the pace. Izzy Gaze (26 from 22 balls) did the repair work with Plimmer, but New Zealand kept losing wickets at key times.
Parshavi Chopra continued her excellent tournament, snapping up three for 20.
New Zealand was strangled for just 107 for nine: against a confident Indian top order, that was never going to be enough.
India will now play England in the Final in the quest to be the first country to lift an ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
Scores in brief:
Toss: India won the toss and elected to bowl.
New Zealand 107 for nine in 20 overs (Georgia Plimmer 35, Izzy Gaze 26, Parshavi Chopra three for 20)
India 110 for two in 14.2 overs (Shweta Sehrawat 61 not out, Soumya Tiwari 22, Anna Browning two for 18)
India won by eight wickets with 34 balls to spare.
