Australia and South Africa remained unbeaten to wrap up their group stage, while Pakistan was knocked out of the tournament by Ireland.
On Day 4 of the U19 Women's T20 U19 World Cup in Malaysia, the final standings for three of the four groups were determined as multiple teams paved way to the Super Six stage.
Australia emerged triumphant over Nepal after initially being put under pressure by Nepal's bowlers. A flurry of quick runs in the death overs, coupled with a strong bowling performance, saw Australia defeat Nepal by 83 runs to top Group D.
Ireland stunned Pakistan, knocking them out of the tournament, in a rain-affected match. With the game cut short to nine-overs-a-side, Pakistan failed to chase down the target of 73, allowing Ireland to become the third and final team from Group B to qualify for the Super Six Stage.
In Group C, South Africa continued their dominance with a comfortable win over Nigeria. Rain reduced the match to eight-overs-a-side, South Africa set a DLS-adjusted target of 65. Their bowlers restricted Nigeria to just 24, ensuring South Africa topped Group C and remained unbeaten. Nigeria, despite the loss, are also through to the next round.
Here's a detailed overview from the afternoon matches from another action-filled day in Malaysia.
Australia beat Nepal by 83 runs
Australia finish Group D as table-toppers with a big win over Nepal 👊
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) January 22, 2025
Watch the Match highlights 🎥#U19WorldCuphttps://t.co/Sye4bGvxIr
After winning the toss, Australia chose to bat but were quickly put under pressure by Nepal, who claimed three early wickets within the first three overs.
However, Australia steadied the innings and avoided further losses in the powerplay, finishing it at 33/3.
Caoimhe Bray and Eleanor Larosa formed a crucial 72-run partnership to rebuild Australia's innings.Hasrat Gill and Chloe Ainsworth unleashed a flurry of boundaries in the final three overs, propelling Australia to a total of 139 at the end of their 20 overs.
Australia's bowlers applied early pressure on Nepal's batters, restricting their run flow from the outset. By the 10th over, Nepal had managed only 27 runs for the loss of 2 wickets.Nepal struggled to score quickly, and with Australia taking wickets at regular intervals, no partnerships were formed. Australia won by a commanding 83 runs, topping Group D and remaining unbeaten in their three games.
With their third defeat in as many games, Nepal finished fourth and last in Group D, meaning they will not progress to the Super Six stage.
Ireland beat Pakistan by 13 runs (DLS Method)
Highlights from our thriller against Pakistan at the @ICC Women's #U19WorldCup
— Ireland Women’s Cricket (@IrishWomensCric) January 22, 2025
WATCH ▶️ https://t.co/hUV69dapuP#BackingGreen☘️🏏
Ireland won the toss and chose to bat first, reaching 25/1 in 3.1 overs before rain interrupted play.The match was reduced to 9 overs a side.Ireland managd to score 69 of their 9 overs losing 4 wickets. Alice Walsh top scored for Ireland scoring 31 of just 19 balls.Pakistan's DLS adjusted target is 73 to win the match.
Pakistan fell short in their chase of 73, managing only 59 runs in 9 overs while losing 7 wickets. With this win, Ireland secured the necessary points to qualify for the Super Six stage. Meanwhile, Pakistan will head home early, finishing at the bottom of Group B with just 1 point.
South Africa beat Nigeria by 41 runs (DLS Method)
South Africa keep their winning streak intact at the #U19WorldCup to 🔝 Group C.#SAvNIG 📝: https://t.co/9xZz6g2Pqd pic.twitter.com/ui8pHo36vN
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) January 22, 2025
South Africa didn't lose a wicket in the powerplay but were kept in check by Nigeria's bowlers, who limited the Proteas to 25/0 at the end of the powerplay. South Africa reached 41/1 in 7.2 overs before rain interrupted play.
Due to rain interruption, the match was reduced to 8 overs per side. South Africa managed to score 49 in their 8 overs, with Simone Lourens top-scoring on 25 off 29 balls. Nigeria's DLS-adjusted target of 65 proved too steep, and South Africa restricted them to 24/8 to secure the win, remaining unbeaten and topping Group C. Seshnie Naidu was named Player of the Match for her two wickets in a single over.
With this victory, South Africa qualifies for the Super Six stage. Despite the loss, Nigeria also progresses to the Super Six stage, finishing second in the group with 3 points.
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