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SA u19 Women ready for historic ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup final

By Brad Morgan , in Cricket | Featured Cricket | News Featured | Main , at 2025-02-01 Tags: , ,

Captain Kayla Reyneke, of South Africa, celebrates a wicket during the ICC u19 Women’s T20 World Cup match between South Africa and Nigeria at Borneo Cricket Ground on 22 January 2025 in Sarawak, Malaysia. Photo: Isuru Sameera Peiris/Gallo Images.

The South Africa u19 Women’s Cricket Team will make history when they face India u19 Women in their first-ever ICC u19 Women’s T20 World Cup final at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Sunday (08:30 SAST).

The 2025 event is only the second edition of the tournament. The inaugural T20 World Cup was held in South Africa in 2023, with the Junior Proteas narrowly missing out on a semi-final spot due to net run rate.

Now, with seven players from that first campaign having returned, the team is determined to seize the moment and excel on youth cricket’s biggest stage.

Under the leadership of head coach, Dinesha Devnarain, South Africa has enjoyed a dominant run and remains unbeaten throughout the tournament.

Their opponents, the defending champions, India, also enter the final without a loss, thus setting the stage for a thrilling contest.

The team in green and gold has also drawn strength from a powerful mantra shared among South African athletes: “They don’t know what we know, and they never will”. That belief has fuelled their resilience and determination throughout their campaign.

Ahead of the final, SA captain, Kayla Reyneke reflected on the team’s journey, their mindset, and their approach to the final.

“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 focussing on the small things that drive us as a team. We also avoid looking too far ahead, taking it one game at a time,” she explained.

“One key takeaway from the semi-final 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

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

Saturday, 18 January – New Zealand vs South Africa (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak) – SA won by 22 runs.

Monday, 20 January – South Africa vs Samoa (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak) – SA won by 10 wickets.

Wednesday, 22 January – South Africa vs Nigeria (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak) – SA won by 41 runs (DLS Method).

Super Six Stage

Saturday, 25 January – South Africa vs Ireland (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak) – SA won by 7 wickets.

Tuesday, 28 January – South Africa vs USA (Borneo Cricket Ground, Sarawak) – Match Abandoned.

Semi-finals

Friday, 31 January – South Africa vs Australia (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur) – SA won by five wickets.

Final

Sunday, 02 February – 08h30 SAST – South Africa vs India (Bayuemas Oval, Kuala Lumpur)

Brad Morgan
error: Sorry ol' chap, those shenanigans are not permissible.