Stage set for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2024 in Ajman

Hosts UAE, Kuwait, Nepal and Thailand will contest in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2024 which will be played at the Seven District Sports Club in Ajman, UAE, from November 6 to November 13, 2024. The top team from this eight-day competition will earn a spot in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, set to be held in Malaysia.

Each of the four teams will play six matches in a double-league format—facing each opponent twice. Two matches will be held daily, with the first match starting at 9:30 am and the second at 1:30 pm. Hosts UAE will play Kuwait in the opener on November 6 at 9:30 am.

A fierce competition is expected as each team aims to top the table and qualify for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, which is scheduled for January 18 to February 2, 2025, in Malaysia. India, the defending champions, won the inaugural edition beating England by seven wickets in the final held in Potchefstroom, South Africa, on January 29, 2023.

The winner of the Asia Qualifier will join four other teams that have already secured their places from the regional qualifiers in Africa, East Asia Pacific, and Europe. Nigeria qualified from Africa, Samoa from East Asia Pacific, and Scotland from Europe. The United States automatically qualified as they were the only team in their region to meet the criteria required for the qualification pathway. The 10 full-member teams from the 2023 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup have already secured direct entry.

The Asia Qualifier winner will join Australia, Bangladesh, and Scotland in Group D. Sixteen teams have been divided into four groups to compete in the 2025 U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

In the Asia Qualifier, Nepal will be captained by Puja Mahato, a top performer for the senior team, with Sony Pakhrin as her deputy. Notable players include Jyotsnika Marasini, Krishma Gurung, Sabitri Dhami, Sana Praveen, Kusum Godar, and Seema KC.

The UAE will be led by Samaira Dharnidharka, one of the fastest bowlers in the UAE and a senior team player. The squad features promising talent, with Emily Thomas as the wicketkeeper.

Thailand’s team is captained by Aphisara Suwanchonrath, who debuted in the 2022 Women’s Asia Cup and played her first T20 International against Pakistan. The team also includes wicketkeeper-batters Yanathip Takunsi, Phatthanan Phinkaeo, and Phichamon Darajaroen.

Kuwait’s captain, Zeefa Jilani, made her Women’s T20 International debut at the age of 12 in the 2019 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Asia Region Qualifier in Bangkok. She holds the record for most catches in WT20 Internationals, with four catches in the 2023 Women’s T20 Quadrangular series against Hong Kong in Malaysia. Eshanvi Mohan Singh will serve as the team’s wicketkeeper.

Squads:

Nepal: Puja Mahato (Captain), Sony Pakhrin, Alisha Kumari Yadav (wicket keeper), Sana Praveen, Jyotsnika Marasini, Krishma Gurung, Sabitri Dhami (wicket keeper), Kusum Godar, Manisha Kumari Updhayay, Riya Sharma, Trisana Bishwokarma, Sneha Mahara, Rachanna Kumari Chaudhary and Seema KC

UAE: Samaira Dharnidharka (Captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Ameya Santosh, Ananya Pravin Keny, Avanee Sunil Patil, Ayushi Mahesh, Emily Thomas (wicket keeper), Indhuja Nandakumar, Lavanya Keny, Malavika Rajeev, Mehak Thakur, Neha Kumari, Rinitha Rajith and Rishitha Rajith.

Kuwait: Zeefa Jilani (Captain), Fiona Melvo Warnakulasuriya, Raelyn Maria D’Souza, Candice Jerica Dias, Eshanvi Mohan Singh (wicket keeper), Ayesh Iqbal Pewekar, Ziniya Afroz, Ameesha Ram Olacheri, Amanpreet, Khadija Khalid Ahmed Kadri, Khadija Jahir Hussain, Sarrah Jasvi, Swatiba Kuldeepsinh Parmar and Pearl Serena Simon

Thailand: Aphisara Suwanchonrath (Captain), Nattharika Thokoi, Charukan Saema, Saithan Khanthachai, Yanathip Takunsi (wk), Phatthanan Phinkaeo (wk), Saranrat Thaonanthasathian, Sunisa Bongkodphongampai, Arrikan Phuengkho, Kesinee Kaewjumphol, Phichamon Darajaroen (wk), Kewarin Saechao, Koranit Suwanchonrathi and Chanoknan Phanao.

Schedule:

November 6: 9.30am: UAE vs Kuwait, 1.30pm: Nepal vs Thailand

November 7: 9.30am: Kuwait vs Nepal, 1.30pm: Thailand vs UAE

November 8: Rest/Reserve day

November 9: 9.30am: UAE vs Nepal, 1.30pm: Thailand vs Kuwait

November 10: 9.30 am: Kuwait vs UAE, 1.30pm: Thailand vs Nepal

November 11: Rest/Reserve day

November 12: 9.30am: Nepal vs Kuwait, 1.30pm: UAE vs Thailand

November 13: 9.30am: Kuwait vs Thailand 1.30pm: Nepal vs UAE