Women's Under-19 World Cup wrap: Semi-final preview

The Cricketer reports on events at the ICC Women's Under-19 World Cup in South Africa

The inaugural edition of the Under-19s Women's T20 World Cup is underway in South Africa, two years after originally planned. On Friday, January 27, India, New Zealand, Australia and England will contest the semi-finals.

Sixteen teams are taking part in the 2023 edition, split across four groups of four. Following a single round-robin, the top three teams in each group will progress into the Super Six stage, from which the top two sides in Group 1 and Group 2 will advance to the semi-finals.

The final will take place in Potchefstroom on Sunday, January 29.

^{New Zealand bowler Kate Chandler (ICC)}

India v New Zealand (Potchefstroom - 10am local time, 8am GMT)

India and New Zealand will contest the first semi-final in Potchefstroom, getting the penultimate round of matches underway at 10am local time (8am GMT).

New Zealand have flown somewhat under the radar during the tournament to date but arrive in the semi-finals with a 100 per cent winning record.

Izzy Sharp's side cruised through the group stages, completing resounding wins over Indonesia (10 wickets), Ireland (nine wicket), and West Indies (10 wickets), before extending their unbeaten run to five matches in the Super 6, with victories over Rwanda (four wickets) and Pakistan (103 runs). They were only denied top spot in group 2 on net run rate.

"We are really happy to be the underdogs. We are keeping out focus on us, and not them," Sharp said. "We are very proud of how far we have come, and I am extremely proud to be captain of this team."

Anna Browning (126 runs, 129.89 strike rate) and Georgia Plimmer (120 runs, 157.89) have been the standout batters for the White Ferns while Emma McLeod is striking above 150. Tash Wakelin has taken a team-leading six wickets while Olivia Anderson, Kate Chandler and Natasha Codyre have five apiece, showcasing the depth of their bowling attack.

^{India batter Shweta Sehrawat (ICC)}

Shafali Verma's India, meanwhile, were among the pre-tournament favourites for the title and enjoyed their own trouble-free run through the group stages. They defeated South Africa (seven wickets), United Arab Emirates (122 runs) and Scotland (83 runs) to top group D.

A surprise eight-wicket defeat against Australia after being bowled out for just 87 was a less than ideal start to the Super 6 stage but they bounced back with a seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka and clung on to top spot thanks to their superior net run rate.

Only Grace Scrivens has scored more runs than Shweta Sehrawat (231 runs, 142.59 strike rate) while Verma is striking at 213.04 – a powerplay battle between bat and ball beckons. Parshavi Chopra, Archana Devi, and Mannat Kashyap form a devastating three-pronged spin attack, with a combined 18 wickets.

"We are in the semis and we know what we need to do. These next two games are very crucial," Verma said. "Every player knows that doing well here can get them to the senior level going forward. We just want to do well for the country."

^{Liberty Heap has impressed at the top of the order alongside Grace Scrivens (ICC)}

Australia v England (Potchefstroom - 1.45pm local time, 11.45am GMT)

Australia captain Rhys McKenna has issued a warning shot to England ahead of their Under-19 T20 World Cup semi-final clash, stating her side are "peaking at the right time".

Australia were stunned in their tournament opener, suffering a seven-wicket defeat against Bangladesh who chased down 131 with ease, before bouncing back with comfortable wins against USA (nine wickets) and Sri Lanka (108 runs), both of whom they bowled out for under 65.

And they continued that rich form in the Super 6, beating India by seven wickets and the United Arab Emirates by six wickets. However, they were pipped into first place by India on net run rate.

"That first loss kicked us into gear, and we've been playing pretty good cricket since then. I think we're peaking at the right time and it should be a good match," McKenna said.

"It's a privilege to captain any team, never mind an Australian side. I have learned a lot and I think this has been really good for my cricket."

^{Maggie Clark has taken nine wickets for Australia (ICC)}

England, however, represent stiff opposition. Like New Zealand, they are yet to be defeated in South Africa, brushing aside Zimbabwe (174 runs), Pakistan (53 runs), and Rwanda (138 runs) in the group stages before recording equally emphatic wins over Ireland (121 runs) and West Indies (95 runs) in the Super 6.

"We have had a real Barmy Army here cheering us on," said Grace Scrivens. "Hopefully, we can keep making them proud. There is a good vibe in the camp, and everyone is playing really good cricket at the moment, which is really nice to see."

Scrivens has been England's standout performer, scoring a tournament-leading 269 runs at a strike rate of 137.94, including three consecutive half-centuries, and taking six wickets. Top-order batters Liberty Heap, Niamh Holland, and Seren Smale and finisher Charis Pavely have also been on song in a stacked batting line-up.

With the ball, Sophia Smale has taken eight wickets while Ellie Anderson, who picked up a five-for against West Indies, and Hannah Baker have also been dangerous.

Only Anosha Nasir (10) has taken more wickets than 15-year-old Australia pace bowler Maggie Clark (nine wickets) while Claire Moore (121 runs, 100.83) and Kate Pelle (130 runs, 130 strike rate) are among the batters to watch.