Kuala Lumpur, Jan 14 (UNI) India U19 Women’s cricket team captain, Niki Prasad, has set her sights firmly on defending the title as the team gears up for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 in Malaysia.
“Looking at the trophy on display, I’m excited to go out with my teammates and try and defend the trophy won by Team India in 2023,” Niki said, expressing her determination during the Captains’ Day event in Kuala Lumpur.
Niki’s remarks came during the Captains’ Day photoshoot at Kuala Lumpur’s iconic Petronas Twin Towers, where skippers of the 16 participating teams gathered to launch the tournament. The bustling Malaysian capital provided a picturesque backdrop as the captains posed with the coveted trophy, sparking dreams of lifting it on February 2.
Defending champions India and hosts Malaysia stood closest to the trophy, symbolising the tournament’s diversity and aspirations.
“Coming to the Captains’ Day and meeting the other 15 captains was a great experience, and to do it in front of the towers in Kuala Lumpur makes it extra special,” Niki added.
For Samoa, making their tournament debut, the moment was both awe-inspiring and humbling. Their captain, Avetia Fetu Mapu, shared her excitement at being part of such a historic event.
“It was a good meet-up, getting to meet the other girls was unbelievable,” Mapu said. “The feeling is pretty intense—not in a bad way, but I could just feel the pressure lift a little bit. The towers are huge. I felt a little bit dizzy! Though the experience was good.”
This gathering was the only opportunity for all 16 captains to be in one place before the group stage matches begin on January 18.
Teams will now disperse across Malaysia, with Group A and D competing at venues near Kuala Lumpur, Group B heading south to Johor near the Singapore border, and Group C travelling to Sarawak on Borneo Island.
The tournament format includes 41 matches, with the top three teams from each group progressing to the Super Six stage. Points carried over from group matches will determine the semi-finalists, with the top two teams from each Super Six group advancing.
The competition promises intense action and concludes with the final on February 2.
