Two returning nations and two debutants make up an intriguing mix in Group C of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.
New Zealand
One of 10 nations to qualify through their performance in the inaugural staging of the tournament in 2023, New Zealand will hope to be among the protagonists in Malaysia.
The progress of Georgia Plimmer is proof that the event provides the perfect platform for emerging talent.
Plimmer averaged more than 50 with the bat two years ago and is now a fixture in the White Ferns side at senior level, with Fran Jonas and Izzy Gaze replicating her rise as the trio all contributed to victory at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.
New Zealand will aim to go one better this time around having fallen short at the semi-final stage, where they were beaten by India by an eight-wicket margin.
“The experience and knowledge gained from this opportunity is invaluable,” said skipper Tash Wakelin.
South Africa
South Africa will always be the first nation to have staged the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, reaching the Super 6 as hosts two years ago.
The team has their sights set on bettering that showing includes an appealing mix of experience and freshness, with seven players returning for a second bite of the cherry.
Wicketkeeper Karabo Meso and spinner Seshnie Naidu have both spent time in the senior international set-up, with Proteas skipper Laura Wolvaardt reserving particularly praise for the latter.
“I thought she has good control for such a young leg-spinner,” said Wolvaardt about Naidu. “It’s very exciting for the future and I hope she gets as much game time as she can.”
Nigeria
Nigeria came through the Africa Qualifier to reach the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup for the first time, following in the footsteps of Rwanda, who qualified for the inaugural edition.
The West African nation secured their spot in Malaysia after a washout in the final of their regional qualifier, beating Zimbabwe to the ticket having accrued more points in the group stages.
In the qualifier, Victory Igbinedion caught the eye with a series of stellar batting performances.
After an ‘intense, productive and fun’ preparation camp, Lucky Piety Ebosetale’s side are on a mission to impress and cause a few shocks on tournament debut.
“Our team’s main objective is to compete and aim for the highest goal in the tournament,” said Ebosetale.
“Personally, this is an opportunity to play on a big stage and perform my best, not only for the benefit of the team but also for myself and Nigeria. Our ultimate aim is to make our country proud and leave a lasting legacy in the tournament.”
Samoa
Samoa also have a chance to shine on the world stage for the first time.
They became the first Samoan team to qualify for a global tournament with an outstanding display at the East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in May 2024.
Avetia Fetu Mapu’s outfit won five of their six games, beaten only by Papua New Guinea, with Angel Sootaga providing a consistent flow of runs alongside an even spread of wicket-taking bowlers.
Samoa meet fellow first-timers Nigeria in the opening game in Group C, which promises to be crucial to deciding which teams advance to the Super 6 stage.
“Our main objective is to play with heart, pride, and unity,” said Mapu.
“We want to represent Samoa to the best of our ability, both on and off the field. Winning matches and advancing in the tournament is definitely a goal, but it’s just as important to learn, grow, and gain experience from competing at this level.”
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