Whether it’s remarkable batting feats or crucial wickets on the field, the ICC U19 Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2025 promises to highlight emerging talents in the world of cricket.
Malaysia is set to be the ideal backdrop for budding players to shine and legends to emerge, with a total of 16 teams, each with its standout performers, preparing to compete.
Here’s a look at five players who should be on your radar when the tournament kicks off on January 18.
Ritu Singh (USA)
Returning for her second tournament, Singh first competed at the inaugural event when she was only 16 years old.
In the USA’s first match of the 2023 tournament, the all-rounder emerged as the top scorer, contributing 22 runs while batting sixth against Sri Lanka.
She has also been a member of the USA senior team, where she recorded the second-best economy rate, taking two wickets for 37 runs across 10 overs in an ODI against Zimbabwe.
While the teams new to cricket faced challenges in 2023, Singh is eager to lead the charge for the USA as they aim to showcase their potential on the global stage.
Maggie Clark (Australia)
At merely 17 years of age, the medium pace bowler will make her second appearance at the tournament, having been the youngest player on Australia’s roster in 2023.
Despite her youth, Clark led the wicket-taking charts at the previous U19 T20 World Cup, with a remarkable tally of 12 dismissals in South Africa.
Now, she returns with extra experience after representing the Adelaide Strikers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in 2024, where she played alongside established talents such as Megan Schutt, Tahlia McGrath, and Amanda-Jade Wellington.
Following an impressive debut in the T20 Spring Challenge where she claimed two wickets for 13 runs, Clark aims to surpass her impressive tally of 12 wickets this time around.
Puja Mahato (Nepal)
As captain, Puja has led Nepal to their inaugural U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, showcasing standout performances along the way.
She scored an impressive 130 not out from 69 balls during the qualification match against Kuwait, marking her as only the second Nepali woman to achieve a century in an international fixture.
Puja also played a crucial role in sustaining Nepal Women’s U19s record total of 213 by taking five wickets for just eight runs.
Nepal will undoubtedly look to their captain to inspire them once again in Malaysia.
Jemima Spence (England)
Having been a non-travelling reserve for England in 2023, Spence has patiently awaited her chance to shine at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, with her selection this year appearing uncertain.
After spending a significant portion of 2024 recovering from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, the South East Stars batter and wicketkeeper made a comeback.
She made her debut with the Surrey club in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy (RHFT) at just 16 years old, where her talent became evident.
That year, she exemplified her skills by top-scoring in the RHFT play-off against Southern Vipers with an unbeaten 45 runs.
Spence was a regular player for the Stars throughout 2023, including her role as an opener in the final two matches alongside stars like Alice Capsey and Alice Davidson-Richards, and she hopes to regain her form in Malaysia.
G Kamalini (India)
Kamalini has already sparked interest with a bidding war for her participation in the upcoming WPL.
The wicketkeeper-batter will play for 2023 champions Mumbai Indians in 2025 alongside greats like Harmanpreet Kaur, Shabnim Ismail, and Nat Sciver-Brunt—all at just 16 years old.
During the U19 Women’s T20 Asia Cup in December, Kamalini shone at the crease, scoring an impressive 44 not out off 29 balls in a match against Pakistan.
Her performance, featuring four fours and three sixes, earned her the player of the match title.
Having already caught the attention of Mumbai Indians’ coach Charlotte Edwards, she is set to impress on a global stage as an essential member of an Indian team looking to defend their title.
Image Source: Possible11 – Fantasy Team Prediction Tips & News / YouTube
