Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia], January 31 : With the excitement of hosting a World Cup, Malaysia aims to inspire the next generation and further expand cricket's reach across the country, as per the International Cricket Council (ICC).
Malaysia is hosting the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup in 2025. Enjoying a player participation boom, an exponential growth in the women's game, and the spread of cricket to pastures new in the country, it's very much a case of right place, right time for an emerging force.
A busy travel hub of diverse culture where east meets west, and importantly world-class facilities, Malaysia and their governing body the Malaysian Cricket Association are recognised as well-driven and ready to combat the rigours of a 16-team global tournament.
With a team competing in their own national colours against future household names, Malaysia is poised to turn another cricketing corner.
Few Associate Members get a chance to host a World Cup completely within their own borders, though Malaysia ticks every box for teams and organisers. Runs on the board come via hosting a number of pathway events, and as the host the 2008 U19 Men's Cricket World Cup, where a young Virat Kohli ended as the tournament's winning captain.
Earlier, South Africa secured their maiden spot in the ICC Women's U19 T20 World Cup final after an impressive five-wicket win over Australia in the first semi-final in Kuala Lumpur on Friday.
The Proteas excelled with the ball on the back of Ashleigh van Wyk's four-wicket haul and were on song in the field as they restricted Australia to just 105/8 and cruised past that target with 11 deliveries remaining courtesy of some excellent batting from Jemma Botha (34) and Kayla Reyneke (26).
The win sees South Africa maintain their unbeaten status at the tournament and sees them qualify for Sunday's final against either India or England.
The Proteas held on to a trio of difficult chances in the field, with some late hitting from Ella Briscoe (27*) helping the Aussies reach three figures after they won the toss and elected to bat first at Bayuemas Oval.
Nthabiseng Nini set the ball rolling for South Africa by dismissing the dangerous Ines Mckeon with the opening ball of the match, with van Wyk (4/17) getting in on the act at the death courtesy of some help in the field.
Seshnie Naidu held on to a tough return catch to dismiss Eleanor Larosa for just seven, before Luyanda Nzuza produced a similar feat in the field to send Hasrat Gill packing as the Aussies crawled to 62/5 with a little more than five overs remaining.
Caoimhe Bray (36) and Briscoe increased the run rate from that point on, but their total just north of 100 seemed a bit light on given South Africa's strong batting line-up.
Chloe Ainsworth (1/19) bowled Simone Lourens (5) with the first delivery of the third over to give Australia some hope, but Botha remained at the crease and seemed intent on keeping the run rate high as the Proteas maintained control of the contest.
The loss of Fay Cowling (7) and Botha did little to quell the run rate, with Reyneke and Karabo Meso (19) combining to take South Africa within sight of victory.
The pair fell in quick succession, but Mieke van Voorst (8*) and Naidu (2) joined forces to ensure there was no late slip up as the Proteas eased into the title decider.