The rising talents emerging from the Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa encompass India’s leading run-scorer, England’s exceptional captain, and a dynamic hitter hailing from Bangladesh. Serving as a debut platform for upcoming cricketers, this tournament has highlighted their potential. Amidst the array of promising participants, these seven individuals stand out as the most promising stars to monitor in the times ahead.
Shweta Sehrawat (India)
297 runs, 99 average, 139.43 strike rate
Sehrawat claimed the leading position on the run charts, accumulating 297 runs across seven innings, including four unbeaten ones. Her exceptional form prior to the competition was evident – she emerged as the top scorer in both India’s Under-19 Women’s Challenger Trophy and the Under-19 Women’s Quadrangular series, featuring Sri Lanka, West Indies, and two India teams. During the World Cup, Sehrawat’s skill in adapting and her diverse shot selection stood out. Throughout the tournament, she primarily opened the batting, often surpassing her partner Shafali Verma. A notable instance was against Scotland, where she entered at No. 6 and hammered an unbeaten 31 runs from just 10 balls. With stiff competition in India’s senior squad, Sehrawat undoubtedly garners attention as a promising prospect for the future.
Shorna Akter (Bangladesh)
153 runs, 51 average,157.73 strike rate
Shorna’s impact on the Bangladesh team extends far beyond her impressive statistics, which in themselves were remarkable. Across five innings, she amassed 153 runs, maintaining an average of 51 with a striking rate of 157.73. Serving as one of the limited true power-hitters in the competition, Shorna consistently contributed in every match. Her performance included six powerful sixes, ranking joint second, and notably, she set the tone for explosive hitting in the inaugural game when Bangladesh surprised Australia.
Continuing her success, Shorna followed up with an unbeaten half-century from 28 balls in the subsequent match against Sri Lanka. This innings played a pivotal role in a closely contested match, propelling Bangladesh to top their group. With the versatility to bat anywhere within the top six, the ability to offer valuable legspin bowling, and exceptional fielding skills, Shorna’s capabilities are multifaceted.
Her influence is so substantial that she has secured her spot in Bangladesh’s senior squad for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup. It would not be surprising to see Shorna take the field as part of the starting lineup when Bangladesh faces Sri Lanka on February 12.
Dewmi Vihanga (Sri Lanka)
9 wickets, 12.88 average, 5.80 economy
Sri Lanka’s standout wicket-taker, Vihanga, appears tailor-made for grand occasions. Employing a crafty range of variations and remarkable accuracy, she swiftly dismantles batters. Notably, she dismissed Shafali Verma and Richa Ghosh consecutively in a Super Six match against India. Displaying versatility, she bowls during the powerplay and the death overs. Beyond her impressive nine-wicket haul at a 12.88 average, she also contributed 113 runs, featuring a half-century against a formidable Bangladesh bowling unit.
