The Indian Women’s team put on a near-perfect performance in the first innings of the U-19 T20 World Cup final against England as they restricted the unbeaten English team to a total of just 68. The Indian bowlers vindicated the decision of their captain Shafali Verma to bowl first after winning the toss.
Archana Devi played a key role as her double wicket fourth over put India on top in the game as England’s top order crumbled. However, she became the key talking point of the cricket fraternity after pulling out an incredible one-handed catch to dismiss England’s top-scorer Ryana Macdonald Gay. Ryana made 19 runs before Archana’s stunner sent her back to the dressing room from Parshavi Chopra’s bowling in the 12th over.
Alongside Archana’s two-wicket spell, Titas Sadhu and Chopra also chipped in two scalps. Meanwhile, Mannat Kashyap, skipper Shafali Verma, and Sonam Yadav took one scalp each while there was also one run-out in a stunning display of bowling and fielding for India.
In the chase, India lost their star openers Shafali Verma and Shweta Sherawat early as the pitch continued to support spinners and make life dangerous for the batters. However, a solid partnership between Soumya Tiwari and Gongadi Trisha have put India on track.
India started the tournament by winning each of their three group stage games against South Africa, UAE, and Scotland. However, they lost their opening super 6 stage game to Australia but a strong comeback saw them thrash Sri Lanka. Other results went their way and secured a semi-final spot for the Women in Blue. India comprehensively defeated New Zealand to secure their place in the summit clash.
England are unbeaten in the tournament before this game. They beat Australia in a nail-biting game in the semis as they defended a low total of 99.
