The excitement is building as the second edition of the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup is set to take place from January 18, 2025, to February 2, 2025. Hosted by Malaysia, this tournament promises to be a thrilling showcase of emerging talent in women's cricket, with 16 teams from around the globe competing in 41 matches over 15 action-packed days.
A New Chapter in U19 Women's Cricket
The 2025 edition follows the successful inauguration of the tournament in South Africa in 2023, where India emerged as the first-ever champions, defeating England by seven wickets in a nail-biting final. The upcoming tournament in Malaysia not only marks the first appearance of the hosts in the U19 Women's T20 World Cup but also the debut of Samoa in any ICC World Cup event. This expansion highlights the growing popularity and global reach of women's cricket.
Tournament Format: A Pathway to Glory
The tournament format is designed to test the mettle of the young cricketers, offering multiple opportunities for teams to shine:
Group Stage:
The 16 teams are divided into four groups of four. Each team will face the others in their group once, with the top three teams from each group advancing to the Super Six stage.
Super Six Stage:
The top 12 teams are then divided into two groups, where they will carry forward the points and net run rate (NRR) earned against fellow qualifiers. Each team will play two more matches against opponents from different groups, with the top two sides from each group progressing to the semi-finals.
Knockout Rounds:
The semi-finals will be held on January 31, 2025, followed by the grand final on February 2, 2025, where the two best teams will battle it out for the coveted title.
Group Draws: Tough Battles Ahead
The group stage promises some intense cricketing action, with the teams drawn into the following groups:
Group A: India (A1), West Indies (A2), Sri Lanka (A3), Malaysia (A4)
Group B: England (B1), Pakistan (B2), Ireland (B3), USA (B4)
Group C: New Zealand (C1), South Africa (C2), Africa's Qualifier (C3), Samoa (C4)
Group D: Australia (D1), Bangladesh (D2), Asia's Qualifier (D3), Scotland (D4)
India, the defending champions, find themselves in a challenging group alongside the West Indies and Sri Lanka. England, another strong contender, will face off against neighbors Ireland, Pakistan, and the USA. Group C features a balanced mix of teams with South Africa and New Zealand as favorites, while Group D sees Australia battling it out with Bangladesh, Scotland, and a qualifier from Asia.
Venues: Malaysia's Cricketing Arenas Ready for Action
Malaysia will host the tournament across four venues, each set to stage the intense group matches and the crucial Super Six fixtures:
Bayuemas Oval in Selangor: Hosting Group A matches, Super Six matches, semi-finals, and the final.
Dato' Dr. Harjit Singh Johor Cricket Academy (JCA Oval) in Johor: Venue for Group B and Super Six matches.
Borneo Cricket Ground in Sarawak: Home to Group C and Super Six matches.
UKM YSD Oval in Selangor: Staging Group D and Super Six matches.
The semi-finals and final will all be played at the Bayuemas Oval, adding to the prestige of the venue as the center stage for the tournament's climax.
Full Fixtures List: Mark Your Calendars
January 18: Australia v Scotland, 8 AM IST, UKM YSD Oval
January 18: England v Ireland, 8 AM IST, JCA Oval, Johor
January 18: Samoa v Africa Qualifier, 8 AM IST, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG) January 18: Bangladesh v Asia Qualifier, 12 PM IST, UKM YSD Oval
January 18: Pakistan v USA, 12 PM IST, JCA Oval, Johor
January 18: New Zealand v South Africa, 12 PM IST, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG) January 19: Sri Lanka v Malaysia, 8 AM IST, Bayuemas Oval
January, 19: India v West Indies, 12 PM IST, Bayuemas Oval
January 20: Australia v Bangladesh, 8 AM IST, UKM YSD Oval
January 20: Ireland v USA, 8 AM IST, JCA Oval, Johor .
January 20: New Zealand v Africa Qualifier, 8 AM IST, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG) Januray 20: Scotland v Asia Qualifier, 12 PM IST, UKM YSD Oval .
January 20: England v Pakistan, 12 PM IST, JCA Oval, Johor
January 20: South Africa v Samoa, 12 PM IST, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)
January 21: West Indies v Sri Lanka, 8 AM IST, Bayuemas Oval
January 21: India v Malaysia, 12 PM IST, Bayuemas Oval
January 22: Bangladesh v Scotland, 8 AM IST, UKM YSD Oval
January 22: England v USA, 8 AM IST, JCA Oval, Johor
January 22: New Zealand v Samoa, 8 AM IST, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)
January 22: Australia v Asia Qualifier, 12 PM IST, UKM YSD Oval
January 22: Pakistan v Ireland, 12 PM IST, JCA Oval, Johor
January 22: South Africa v Africa Qualifier, 12 PM IST, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG) January 23: Malaysia v West Indies, 8 AM IST, Bayuemas Oval
January 23: India v Sri Lanka, 12 PM IST, Bayuemas Oval
January 24: B4 v C4, 8 AM IST, JCA Oval, Johor
January 24: A4 v D4, 12 PM IST, JCA Oval, Johor
January 25: Super Six - B2 v C3, 8 AM IST, UKM YSD Oval
January 25: Super Six - B1 v C2, 8 AM IST, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)
January 25: Super Six - A3 v D1, 12 PM IST, UKM YSD Oval
January 25: Super Six - C1 v B3, 12 PM IST, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)
January 26: Super Six - A2 v D3, 8 AM IST, Bayuemas Oval
January 26: Super Six - A1 v D2, 12 PM IST, Bayuemas Oval
January 27: Super Six - B1 v C3, 8 AM IST, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)
January 28: Super Six - A3 v D2, 8 AM IST, Bayuemas Oval
January 28: Super Six - C1 v B2, 8 AM IST, Sarawak Cricket Ground (SCG)
January 28: Super Six - A1 v D3, 12 PM IST, Bayuemas Oval
January 29: Super Six - C2 v B3, 8 AM IST, UKM YSD Oval
January 29: Super Six - A2 v D1, 12 PM IST, UKM YSD Oval
January 31: Semi-Final 1, 8 AM IST, Bayuemas Oval
January 31: Semi-Final 2, 12 PM IST, Bayuemas Oval
February 2: Final, 12 PM IST, Bayuemas Oval
There will be a reserve day for the two semi-finals and the title clash. February 1 will be the reserve day for the semi-finals, while February 3 will serve as a reserve day for the final.
