By Syeda Rubab 
Group D of the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 is shaping up to be an intriguing contest, featuring teams with a mix of experience, potential, and a point to prove. Here’s a look at the teams competing in this group:
Australia
A returning semi-finalist, Australia aims to overcome the heartbreak of their narrow three-run defeat to England in the 2023 semi-finals. The squad boasts five players from the inaugural tournament, including standout performer Maggie Clark, the leading wicket-taker at just 15.
Lucy Hamilton, the captain, and Chloe Ainsworth, both bring Women’s Big Bash League experience to the table, while 15-year-old Caoimhe Bray is a promising all-rounder, drawing comparisons to her teammate, Ellyse Perry.
Australia’s preparation has been solid, winning four out of six matches in a tri-series against Sri Lanka and New Zealand on the Gold Coast in 2024, putting them in strong form for the tournament in Malaysia.
Bangladesh
Bangladesh made a memorable start in the 2023 competition by defeating Australia in their opening match. They will have a chance to replicate that feat when they face Australia again on 20 January at the YSD-UKM Cricket Oval in Bangi.
Led by Sumaiya Akter, who has senior international experience, the team aims to build on their success. Shorna Akter was a standout in the previous edition, earning a spot in the team of the tournament. With a recent runner-up finish in the Women’s U19 Asia Cup 2024, where they lost to India, Bangladesh has been preparing in similar conditions, which should serve them well.
Nepal
Making their debut at the World Cup, Nepal secured their spot by outperforming the UAE on run rate. They will be led by Puja Mahato, a key figure in their qualification, who impressed with an unbeaten 130 off 69 balls and five wickets in a crucial match against Kuwait.
Krishma Gurung, who captained the side to the semi-finals of the Asia Cup, has been pivotal with the ball, taking four wickets against the UAE. Their opening match against Bangladesh on 18 January will be a significant test for the debutants.
Scotland
Aiming to improve on their previous outing, Scotland is eager to advance beyond the group stages in their second World Cup appearance. Niamh Muir returns as captain, supported by Molly Barbour-Smith, who is making her World Cup debut after an injury ruled her out of the last edition.
Kirsty McColl and Barbour-Smith have solidified their spots in the team, bringing balance to the side. Head coach Kari Carswell believes in the team’s potential, highlighting the depth in both batting and bowling departments.
Scotland will kick off their campaign against Australia, followed by matches against Nepal and Bangladesh, aiming to leverage their summer form and experience to make a mark in this competitive group.
Group D Overview:
- Australia: Strong contenders with a blend of experience and rising stars.
- Bangladesh: A team with a history of upsets and recent success in regional tournaments.
- Nepal: Exciting debutants with standout individual talents.
- Scotland: Determined to make it out of the group stages with a well-rounded squad.
As the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 unfolds, Group D promises thrilling cricket action with each team bringing unique strengths and a hunger to succeed on the world stage.
Victoria Hamilton