Honestly, the inaugural u19 asia cup 2024 women wasn’t just another cricket tournament to check off the calendar. It was a statement. When India’s Aayushi Shukla sent that final delivery down at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur, and the bails flew, it marked more than just a 41-run win over Bangladesh. It was the birth of a new era for Asian women's cricket.
India won.
They didn't just win; they dominated. But if you think this was a cakewalk, you're missing the real story behind the scorecards.
The Drama at Bayuemas Oval
Kuala Lumpur weather is famously unpredictable, and it definitely played its part throughout the week. By the time December 22 arrived for the final, the tension was thick. Bangladesh had actually beaten India in the Men's U19 Asia Cup earlier that month, so there was this sort of "revenge" narrative floating around the stadium.
Bangladesh won the toss and chose to field. Smart move? Maybe.
India’s batting wasn’t exactly explosive at first. They managed 117/7 in their 20 overs. On paper, 117 looks defendable but shaky. However, Gongadi Trisha had other plans. She smashed a vital 52 off 47 balls, basically anchoring the entire innings while wickets fell around her.
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Then came the second half.
The Bangladesh chase never really got out of first gear. India’s bowling attack, led by the relentless Aayushi Shukla, strangled the scoring rate. Bangladesh crumbled to 76 all out in 18.3 overs. A 41-run margin in a T20 final is huge. It's a thumping.
Standout Stars of the u19 asia cup 2024 women
If you aren't following Gongadi Trisha yet, you're doing it wrong. She ended the tournament as the top scorer with 159 runs across five innings. She took home the Player of the Match in the final and the Player of the Series trophy. She’s got this calm presence at the crease that makes her look years older than she actually is.
- Aayushi Shukla: The tournament’s leading wicket-taker. She finished with 11 wickets, including the crucial strikes in the final.
- G Kamalini: Her 44* against Pakistan earlier in the tournament was a masterclass in aggressive chasing.
- Puja Mahato: Nepal’s captain was probably the biggest surprise of the tournament. She was a genuine all-round threat, keeping Nepal competitive in the Super Four stage.
- Manudi Nanayakkara: The Sri Lankan star who hit a massive 74 against Malaysia, the highest individual score of the whole event.
Why This Tournament Changed the Power Dynamic
We usually think of women's cricket as a three-horse race between India, Sri Lanka, and maybe Pakistan. This tournament proved that "maybe" is doing a lot of heavy lifting.
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Pakistan actually struggled.
They lost to Nepal. Read that again. Nepal, a team that had to fight through qualifiers in the UAE just to get here, beat Pakistan by six wickets. It was a massive upset that shook the Group B standings. While India and Bangladesh are clearly at the top, the gap between the mid-tier teams and the "big girls" is shrinking faster than people realize.
The Asian Cricket Council (ACC) set this up to be a biennial event. The goal is simple: get these players ready for the U19 World Cup. By playing under the pressure of an Asia Cup, they aren't just practicing; they're learning how to win trophies.
Group Standings and the Road to the Final
The format was a bit of a grind. Six teams were split into two groups.
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Group A
Bangladesh was the class of this group, blowing past Sri Lanka and Malaysia. They finished with a net run rate of +4.000, which is basically video game numbers.
Group B
India and Nepal moved forward here. India's opening match against Pakistan set the tone—they won by 9 wickets after bowling Pakistan out for just 67.
The Super Four stage was where things got gritty. India remained unbeaten, while Bangladesh clawed their way into the final by edging out Nepal and Sri Lanka. Nepal actually put up a massive fight, proving they belong on this stage.
Practical Takeaways for Cricket Fans
If you're looking to follow the next generation of talent, pay attention to the domestic structures in India and Bangladesh. The Women’s Premier League (WPL) in India is already scouting these girls.
- Watch the 2026 Edition: The ACC has already confirmed the tournament will return in 2026. Keep an eye on the venue announcement.
- Follow the Stars: Players like Trisha and Shukla are likely to be fast-tracked into senior 'A' teams or WPL squads soon.
- Don't Sleep on Nepal: They are the "Emerging Nation" to watch. Their win over Pakistan wasn't a fluke; it was the result of a very dedicated youth program.
The u19 asia cup 2024 women was a massive success for the ACC. It provided the high-stakes environment these young athletes need. While India walks away with the silverware this time, the real winner is the depth of the sport in Asia.
Actionable Next Steps: Keep a close eye on the upcoming U19 Women's World Cup rosters. Most of the standout performers from this Asia Cup, specifically from India and Bangladesh, will be the core of their respective World Cup squads. You can also monitor the WPL 2026 auction lists, as several of these players are expected to earn their first professional contracts based on their performance at the Bayuemas Oval.