SA Makes History with First U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup Final

SA U/19 Women make first appearance at T20 World Cup Final. Image: Daily Maverick.

(The Post News)– South Africa’s Under-19 women’s cricket team has reached the T20 World Cup final for the first time, defeating Australia by five wickets in Kuala Lumpur. A dominant bowling performance from Ashleigh van Wyk, followed by a rapid-fire innings from Jemma Botha, secured the victory.

After choosing to bat first, Australia had a nightmare start. Their first batter, Ines McKeon, was out on the very first ball, hit on the pads by South Africa’s fast bowler Nthabiseng Nini. Moments later, Grace Lyons was run out after a stroke of bad luck—captain Lucy Hamilton’s shot deflected off Nini’s hand and crashed into the stumps.

With two wickets down early, Australia’s captain Hamilton and Caoimhe Bray tried to steady the innings, but South Africa’s bowlers kept things tight, allowing just one boundary in the first five overs. When Hamilton attempted a risky sweep shot, she was dismissed lbw (leg before wicket) by South Africa’s captain, Kayla Reyneke. The pressure continued to mount, and Australia struggled to score freely.

Eleanor Larosa and Bray managed a slow 27-run partnership before a brilliant catch by Seshnie Naidu sent Larosa back to the pavilion. Then van Wyk took over, tearing through Australia’s middle order with four wickets in three overs. A late push from Ella Briscoe, who scored an unbeaten 27 off 17 balls, helped Australia reach 105 for 8.

Chasing 106 runs to win, South Africa had to face an Australian bowling attack that had been tough to score against throughout the tournament. But Jemma Botha didn’t waste any time—she stepped forward to take control and hit two quick boundaries in the first over.

Although Simone Lorens hit a four early on, she was soon bowled out by Chloe Ainsworth. Botha, however, continued her aggressive approach, hitting five fours and two sixes in her 37 runs from just 24 balls. By the time she was dismissed, South Africa had already reached 50 runs in just six overs.

With the foundation set, Reyneke played a calm and composed innings, partnering with Karabo Meso to bring South Africa closer to victory. Even after Reyneke was dismissed, Naidu finished the job, guiding the team to the win with 11 balls to spare. Now, South Africa is just one step away from making even more history as they head into their first-ever U-19 Women’s T20 World Cup final.