05 Feb SA U19 Women Set For Historic ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Final
KUALA LUMPUR: The South Africa U19 Women are set to make history as they prepare to face India U19 Women in their first-ever ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup final at the Bayuemas Oval on Sunday (08h30 SAST).
This is only the second edition of the tournament, with the Junior Proteas narrowly missing out on a semi-final spot in the inaugural 2023 edition, held in South Africa, due to net run rate. Now, with seven players from that first campaign returning, the team is determined to seize their moment and excel on cricket’s biggest youth stage.
Under the leadership of head coach, Dinesha Devnarain, South Africa has enjoyed a dominant run, remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament.
Their opponents and defending champions, India, also enter the final without a loss, setting the stage for a thrilling contest.
The team has also drawn strength from a powerful mantra shared among South African athletes: “They don’t know what we know, and they never will.” This belief has fuelled their resilience and determination throughout their campaign.
Speaking ahead of the final, SA captain, Kayla Reyneke, reflected on the team’s journey, mindset, and approach to the final match:
“The mood in the camp is very positive. Of course, there are a few nerves, it’s normal, it is a final; but we see it as just another game, another hurdle to overcome. The team is ready to go.
“We always emphasise discipline and consistency, both on and off the field. It’s about focusing on the small things that drive us as a team. We also avoid looking too far ahead, taking it one game at a time,” said Reyneke.
“One key takeaway from the semifinal is the importance of staying calm under pressure. Cricket is a team sport and having each other’s backs along with the incredible support from our coaches and management gives us confidence.
“We are fully prepared and excited to take on the challenge. As I always say, we play the player, not the name. Our practice sessions have been focused, technical, and intense, ensuring we’re in the best possible shape for the final,” Reyneke concluded.
South Africa U19 Women Squad: ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 (18 January – 02 February)
Kayla Reyneke (Captain, Western Province), Jemma Botha (Western Province), Fay Cowling (Lions), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Monalisa Legodi (Titans), Simoné Lourens (Titans), Karabo Meso (Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Dolphins), Nthabiseng Nini (Dragons), Luyanda Nzuza (Free State), Diara Ramlakan (Lions), Diedré van Rensburg (North West Dragons), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Chanel Venter (Titans).
SA U19 Women Fixtures: ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 (18 January – 02 February)
Saturday, 18 January @ 08h30 SAST – 1st Match: New Zealand vs South Africa U19 (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak) – South Africa won by 22 runs.
Monday, 20 January @ 08h30 SAST – 2nd Match: South Africa U19W vs Samoa (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak) – South Africa won by 10 wickets.
Wednesday, 22 January @ 08h30 SAST – 3rd Match: South Africa U19W vs Nigeria (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak) – South Africa won by 41 runs (DLS Method).
Super Six Stage
Saturday, 25 January @08h30 SAST- South Africa U19W vs Ireland (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak) – South Africa won by seven wickets.
Tuesday, 28 January @04h30 SAST- South Africa U19W vs USA (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak) – Match Abandoned.
Semifinals
Friday, 31 January @ 04h30 SAST – South Africa U19W vs Australia U19W (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur) – South Africa won by five wickets.
Final
Sunday, 02 February @ 08h30 SAST – South Africa U19W vs India U19W (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)
ENDS
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Alungile Nyakambi
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Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications
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