U19 Women's T20 World Cup: Defending Champions India cruise to easy win over West Indies

Defending champions India kicked off their 2025 ICC Women's U19 World Cup campaign in commanding fashion, securing a comprehensive victory over the West Indies at the Bayeumas Oval in Kuala Lumpur.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl first, India put in an exceptional all-round performance.

The West Indies team were bowled out for a mere 44 runs, with Indian bowlers and fielders making crucial contributions. Joshitha VJ was the standout performer, taking two wickets in her second over, dismissing West Indies captain Samara Ramnath and Naijanni Cumberbatch.

Spin duo Aayushi Shukla and Parunika Sisodia further tightened India's grip, the latter finishing with a three-wicket haul. India's fielding was also top-notch, with three run-outs contributing to the West Indies' downfall.

Chasing a paltry total of 45, India made light work of the target, reaching it in just 4.2 overs with nine wickets in hand. The victory came after strong performances in their warm-up games, where they defeated South Africa and Scotland.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka impressed in their opener against Malaysia, winning by 139 runs.

The Sri Lankan side, led by standout performances from Chamudi Praboda and Dahami Sanethma, dominated from the start. Praboda's brilliant bowling spell of 3/5, alongside multiple run-outs, saw Malaysia bowled out for just 23 runs in reply to Sri Lanka's 162/6.

Sanethma anchored Sri Lanka's innings with a match-winning knock of 55 runs, while opener Sanjana Kavindi and Hiruni Kumari contributed valuable runs in the middle order.