Everything is set for a thrilling contest among emerging players as the ICC U19 Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup 2025 is set to start soon, from January 18 and run until February 2, 2025, in Malaysia. A lot of exciting matches are expected, with these rising stars likely to soon dominate international cricket with their batting prowess and wicket-taking skills. The tournament will feature 16 teams, each showcasing its own standout players. But who are the five rising stars you should watch closely when the tournament kicks off on January 18? Take a look at all the emerging names.
Maggie Clark (Australia)
At only 17, Maggie Clark is set for her second ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup appearance, after being the youngest in Australia’s squad in 2023.
Despite her youth, Clark was the leading wicket-taker in the previous tournament, claiming 12 wickets in South Africa.
She enters this edition with additional experience from representing Adelaide Strikers in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) in 2024, playing alongside stars like Megan Schutt, Tahlia McGrath, and Amanda-Jade Wellington.
After taking two for 13 in her debut for the Strikers during the T20 Spring Challenge, Clark is poised to surpass her impressive previous tournament record.
Puja Mahato (Nepal)
Puja Mahato, an all-rounder who has led Nepal to their first U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, delivered stellar performances during the qualifiers, including scoring an unbeaten 130 against Kuwait, becoming the second Nepali woman to score a century in an international match.
Puja played a crucial role in defending Nepal Women’s U19s record total of 213, taking five wickets for just eight runs.
Nepal will rely on their captain’s leadership and skills in Malaysia.
Jemima Spence (England)
Initially a reserve for England in 2023, Jemima Spence has had to bide her time for a chance to shine in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025, with her selection initially uncertain due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in 2024.
Spence showcased her talent during her debut for Surrey in the Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy (RHFT) at 16, where she top-scored in a play-off against Southern Vipers with 45 not out.
In 2023, Spence was a regular starter for the South East Stars, even opening the batting lineup alongside Alice Capsey and Alice Davidson-Richards, and aims to make a significant impact in Malaysia.
Ritu Singh (USA)
Returning for her second tournament appearance, Ritu Singh was a standout performer at the inaugural event where she top-scored for the USA from sixth in the order with 22 runs against Sri Lanka as a 16-year-old.
Singh recently contributed to the USA senior team, achieving the second-best economy rate in an ODI against Zimbabwe, taking two wickets for 37 runs in 10 overs.
With the USA eager to showcase their cricket aspirations, Singh hopes to lead from the front.
G Kamalini (India)
G Kamalini, a wicketkeeper-batter already pursued by teams in the upcoming WPL, will join the 2023 champions Mumbai Indians, playing alongside Harmanpreet Kaur, Shabnim Ismail, and Nat Sciver-Brunt at just 16.
During the U19 Women’s T20 Asia Cup in December, Kamalini displayed her match-winning ability against Pakistan, scoring 44 not out off 29 balls with four fours and three sixes, earning the player of the match title.
Having already caught the eye of Mumbai Indians’ coach Charlotte Edwards, Kamalini is ready to impress on the world stage as India aims to defend their title.
