India win inaugural U19 women’s T20 World Cup

India have eased to victory in the final of the inaugural Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup in South Africa, defeating England by seven wickets in Potchefstroom.

England had successfully defended 100 to beat Australia in their semi-final, but after being put in to bat in the final on Sunday, they could only muster a meagre total of 68.

Ryana MacDonald-Gay top-scored for England, making 19 from 24, with only four batters able to reach double figures, as India's opening bowler, player of the match Titas Sadhu, took 2-6 to spearhead their early stranglehold.

England lost wickets consistently to the Indian attack - which contained only Sadhu as a seamer - as they slid from 3-16, losing seven wickets for 52.

India were composed in response, with a batting line-up headed by star full international, captain Shafali Verma, at the top of the order.

Shafali made 15 from 11 balls to set the tone, and although England claimed two quick wickets to regain some momentum, the duo of Soumya Tiwari (24no) and Gongadi Trisha (24 from 29 balls) made quick work of England's below-par total.

It was a proud day for Shafali, who had been in the senior side that lost the T20 World Cup final to Australia at the MCG in 2020.

"All the girls are incredible, the way they are performing, backing themselves," she said, breaking down in tears afterwards.

And when asked if this was the only major trophy she was going to pick up this February, the 19-year-old who'll be a key part of India's squad for the senior T20 World Cup in South Africa smiled: "No, the big one also."

ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023

Group A: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh

Group B: England, India, Pakistan, West Indies, Ireland

Australia's T20 World Cup 2023 fixtures

Feb 11: v New Zealand, Boland Park, Paarl, 7pm local (4am Feb 12 AEDT)

Feb 14: v Bangladesh, St George's Park, Gqeberha, 7pm local (4am Feb 15 AEDT)

Feb 16: v Sri Lanka, St George's Park, Gqeberha, 3pm local (12am Feb 17 AEDT)

Feb 18: v South Africa, St George's Park, Gqeberha, 7pm local (4am Feb 19 AEDT)

Semi-finals

Feb 23: Newlands, Cape Town, 3pm local (12am Feb 24 AEDT)

Feb 24: Newlands, Cape Town, 3pm local (12am Feb 25 AEDT)

Final

Feb 26: Newlands, Cape Town, 3pm local (12am Feb 27 AEDT)