Young Warriors into World T20 Super 6

The West Indies moved on to the Super Six phase of the ICC Women’s Under-19 T20 World Cup 2025 in the wee hours of Thursday morning, after defeating hosts Malaysia by 53 runs at Kuala Lumpur’s Bayuemas Oval. The regional side earned their first win, finishing third in Group A.

On the final day of the group stage, four teams were in action. In a win-and-in scenario for both sides, the Caribbean outfit held their nerve to leave the young Malaysians winless. Barbados’ Erin Deane and Naijanni Cumberbatch shared eight wickets with captain Samara Ramnath. The three off-spinners were key to the West Indies’ defence of just 112.

Malaysia made a strong account of themselves early, with an energetic fielding display that kept the West Indies top order in check. They were held to 37-1 at the 10-over mark, but West Indies managed to raise the tempo as the innings continued to unfold.

Opener Asabi Callender led the way with 30 off 42, including four fours, before being beaten with a beautiful ball from Nur Izzatul Syafiqa. Jahzara Claxton added 19 runs from 15 deliveries, striking four boundaries and a six to give the innings genuine impetus. Abigail Bryce contributed 14 from 19 with two fours.

The batting side were assisted by the 27 runs in extras Malaysia conceded. But the hosts fought valiantly, restricting West Indies to 112-7 at the end of the 20 overs. It was the first time crossing three figures for the young Maroon Warriors, who scored just 44 and 85 in earlier losses to India and Sri Lanka, respectively.

Malaysia got off to a strong start with the bat, held together by captain Nur Dania Syuhada’s presence at the crease. Once she departed for 12 off 17 balls, the first of three quick wickets for Ramnath, Malaysia’s lineup collapsed.

Nuni lasted seven overs and scored one run from 22 balls. Malaysia went from 38-3 to 59 all out, losing seven wickets for nine runs at one stage.

The hosts were shot out in 18 overs, thanks to some strong bowling from West Indies skipper Ramnath, who took 4-6 from her four overs. Deane took 2-7, bowling Nur Ain Binti Roslan and Fatin Faqihah Adani, both for ducks with the score on 47. Cumberbatch added 2-14, taking her two scalps on either side of Deane’s.

Ramnath’s bowling starred in the virtual knockout fixture for West Indies, as her 4-6 was bettered only by fivefers from India’s Vaishnavi Sharma and Scotland’s Maisie Maceira so far in this edition of the competition.

Malaysia were 38-2 after 10 overs chasing 113 when Ramnath started a collapse that saw the hosts lose eight wickets for 21 runs. The Malaysia batters were unable to read her as she got all four of her wickets either bowled or lbw.

Malaysia will hold their heads high after showing improvement throughout the tournament. They’ll now prepare to play Nepal in a 4th Place Play-off match tomorrow.

The West Indies move forward and will play Australia this Saturday in their first Super Sixes match at Bangi. On Monday, they return to Kuala Lumpur for a second Group 1 matchup, this time against Bangladesh.

In other action on Wednesday night, India topped Group A with a win against Sri Lanka. The defending champions managed to ease past Sri Lanka by 60 runs to ensure their unbeaten run in the tournament.

Both sides are into Super Six stage, with Sri Lanka set to feature against Scotland while India face-off against Bangladesh on Sunday. (TF)