The inaugural ACC Under-19 Women's T20 Asia CupKuala Lumpur crowned India Women Under‑19 as champions on 22 December 2024, beating Bangladesh by 41 runs. The tournament, staged in Malaysia’s bustling capital, was overseen by the Asian Cricket Council, which has been pushing for a stronger pathway for young female cricketers across the continent. In India’s victorious side, Gongadi Trisha shone as Player of the Series with 159 runs, while teammate Aayushi Shukla topped the wicket‑taking charts with ten dismissals.
- Event: ACC Under-19 Women's T20 Asia Cup 2024
- Dates: 15–22 December 2024
- Venue: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Champions: India Women Under‑19
- Runners‑up: Bangladesh Women Under‑19
Background: Birth of a New Continental Competition
The Asian Cricket Council announced the creation of a dedicated under‑19 women’s tournament back in early 2023, aiming to give emerging talent a taste of international cricket before stepping onto the senior stage. The inaugural edition featured six nations – the ICC full members Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, plus host Malaysia and Nepal, who earned their spot by winning a qualifier in the United Arab Emirates earlier that year. By packing twelve matches into a single week, the ACC hoped to balance competitive intensity with a manageable travel schedule for teenage athletes.
Road to the Final: Group Stage and Super Four Highlights
India opened the campaign in Group A against Pakistan on 16 December, posting 112/6 and restricting the Pakistanis to 78 all out. A close‑fought win set the tone for a flawless group run – the Indian side topped the table with three straight victories. Bangladesh, meanwhile, navigated a tougher Group B, edging past Sri Lanka in a thrilling chase of 155 runs.
After the round‑robin, the top two teams from each group entered the Super Four stage. On 20 December, Bangladesh dispatched Nepal by nine wickets, stumbling a modest 54‑run total. India’s Super Four match against Sri Lanka saw the Sri Lankan side explode to 153/4, but the Indian bowlers held their nerve, skittling them for 115 and sealing a seven‑run win that booked India’s place in the final.
The Decisive Showdown: India vs Bangladesh
Under the bright lights of the KL Cricket Academy on Sunday, 22 December, India won the toss and elected to bat. Opening with Sonia Patel and Riya Sharma, the hosts paced the innings to 117/7 after their allotted twenty overs. Trisha’s composed 48 from 31 balls anchored the chase, while Shukla chipped in with a quick‑fire 20‑run cameo.
Bangladesh’s reply never got off the ground. Early wickets fell to a disciplined Indian spell – Shukla’s five‑wicket haul (4/22) dismantled the opposition, and Bangladesh could muster only 76 runs before being bowled out in 18.3 overs. The 41‑run margin echoed the gap that had been evident throughout the tournament.
Stars of the Tournament: Trisha and Shukla Lead the Way
Gongadi Trisha finished as the highest run‑scorer with 159 runs at an impressive average of 39.75. Her aggression at the top of the order set the tone for India’s innings in most matches. “I just tried to play my natural game, hit the gaps and support the team,” Trisha said after the final, a sentiment that resonated with many young fans.
Bowling hero Aayushi Shukla claimed ten wickets, becoming the tournament’s leading strike bowler. Her ability to swing the ball both ways proved decisive, especially on the slower Kuala Lumpur pitches that offered turn but rewarded accuracy. “It’s about patience and hitting the right length,” Shukla explained during the post‑match press conference.
What This Means for Women's Youth Cricket in Asia
Beyond the trophies, the tournament delivered a crucial platform for talent identification. Scouts from senior national squads attended every match, and several under‑19 players already earned call‑ups to senior training camps. The ACC plans to make the event an annual fixture, with talks already underway to expand the field to eight teams by 2026, potentially inviting emerging sides like Afghanistan and Hong Kong.
For India, the victory reinforces the country’s growing pipeline of women’s cricket talent, complementing the senior team’s recent successes on the world stage. Bangladesh, despite the loss, can take pride in a solid defensive effort that will serve them well as they prepare for the upcoming ICC Under‑19 Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this tournament affect the development of women's cricket in Asia?
The competition gives under‑19 players a rare chance to face international opposition, accelerating skill growth and providing selectors with a clear talent pool for senior squads. It also raises the sport’s profile, encouraging more girls to take up cricket in participating nations.
What were the key performances that decided the final?
India’s 48‑run knock from Gongadi Trisha and Aayushi Shukla’s five‑wicket spell (4/22) were decisive. Bangladesh never built momentum, losing early wickets to Shukla’s swing and failing to chase the modest target of 118.
Who organized the event and where was it held?
The tournament was organized by the Asian Cricket Council and took place at the KL Cricket Academy in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 15–22 December 2024.
Which teams participated and how were they selected?
Six teams competed: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka (all ICC full members), host Malaysia, and Nepal, who qualified by winning the ACC Under‑19 Women’s Asia Qualifier in the UAE earlier that year.
What are the next steps for the champions?
India’s under‑19 squad will likely participate in the upcoming ICC Under‑19 Women’s T20 World Cup qualifiers, while the ACC is already planning the 2025 edition of the Asia Cup, aiming for a larger roster of teams and more venues across the region.