Gongadi Trisha’s stellar performance illuminated the 2025 ICC U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, culminating in a resounding victory for India and a well-deserved Player of the Tournament award for the young prodigy. Her contributions with both bat and ball were instrumental in India’s successful title defense against South Africa in the final held in Malaysia. Trisha’s dominant presence throughout the tournament showcased her exceptional talent and cemented her position as a rising star in the world of women’s cricket.
Trisha’s batting prowess was undeniable, accumulating a staggering 309 runs in seven innings, a remarkable feat that placed her a comfortable 133 runs ahead of the next highest scorer. Her aggressive yet controlled style of play was punctuated by elegant boundaries and towering sixes, consistently dismantling opposing bowling attacks. In the final, she showcased her composure under pressure, smashing an unbeaten 44 off just 33 balls, steering India to a comfortable nine-wicket victory. This performance was a testament to her ability to deliver on the biggest stage, a quality that separates the truly exceptional players from the rest.
Beyond the sheer volume of runs, Trisha’s innings were marked by remarkable consistency and an ability to accelerate when needed. Her historic century against Scotland, the first in U-19 Women’s World Cup history, was a testament to her explosive power and impeccable timing. Her 110 not out came off a mere 59 balls, demonstrating her capacity to dominate attacks and single-handedly shift the momentum of a match. This innings, along with her consistent contributions throughout the tournament, earned her the second-best batting average, further highlighting her all-round dominance.
Trisha’s impact wasn’t limited to her batting heroics. She proved to be a valuable asset with the ball, showcasing her off-spin bowling skills. Her three wickets for just 15 runs in the final were crucial in restricting South Africa to a paltry 82 runs, effectively sealing the match in India’s favor. Throughout the tournament, she consistently chipped in with crucial wickets, adding another dimension to her already impressive repertoire. Her best figures of 3 for 6 against Scotland, coincidentally during her record-breaking century innings, underlined her ability to impact the game in multiple facets.
While India basked in the glory of their triumph, another team, Nigeria, made their presence felt in their debut appearance at the tournament. The Junior Female Yellow Greens, as they are known, finished a respectable sixth, exceeding expectations and showcasing the growing potential of cricket in the African nation. Their upsets against established teams like New Zealand and Ireland served as a testament to their talent and determination, signaling their arrival on the global stage.
Nigeria’s performance was built on a collective effort, with several players contributing significantly. Captain Piety Lucky led the bowling attack, picking up four wickets, while Peace Usen and Lilian Ude each claimed three wickets. Anointed Akhigbe and Shola Adekunle also contributed with two wickets apiece. With the bat, Ude led the scoring charts with 37 runs, followed by Omosigho Eguakun with 30. Christable Chukwunoye’s 25 against Ireland in their final match was a highlight, demonstrating the team’s ability to compete against more experienced opponents. The tournament served as a valuable learning experience for the young Nigerian side, providing them with exposure to high-level competition and setting the stage for future growth and development.
