India-born Hasrat Gill has been revealed as one of the key players in Australia’s 15-player squad for the 2025 ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in Malaysia from January 18 to February 2.
The squad, which includes a mix of seasoned domestic players and exciting up-and-comers, will aim to go one step further than last year’s semi-final finish.
Victoria’s Hasrat Gill, a talented leg-spinner with T20 Spring Challenge experience, was born in Amritsar, Punjab, and moved to Australia at the age of three.
Earlier, Gill, who plays for Melbourne Cricket Club, was selected as one of the 15 players for the Australian women’s U19 squad. The team toured Sri Lanka for a tri-nation tournament, following the Lanning versus Perry Series and the Under-19 National Championships the previous year.
Sonya Thompson, Cricket Australia’s Head of National Development, expressed her enthusiasm about the squad’s depth and potential, highlighting the valuable experience the players bring from senior competitions.
“We’re thrilled with the talent in this squad, and the Under-19 World Cup provides a fantastic opportunity for these players to showcase their skills on the global stage.”
Among the key selections is 15-year-old Caoimhe Bray, whose outstanding performances in the tri-series against New Zealand and Sri Lanka earlier this year earned her a spot in the squad. Bray, the youngest player in the group, dazzled with both bat and ball, scoring 84 runs and taking 4-20 in a memorable victory over New Zealand.
Veteran players returning for their second ICC U19 World Cup include Chloe Ainsworth, Maggie Clark, Lucy Hamilton, Eleanor Larosa, and Kate Pelle. Clark, who claimed the most wickets in the inaugural edition, will be aiming to make an even bigger impact this time around.
The squad is brimming with senior domestic experience, with 14 of the players having competed in top-tier competitions like the Weber WBBL, Women’s National Cricket League (WNCL), and T20 Spring Challenge. Notable names include fast bowlers Chloe Ainsworth and Lucy Hamilton, who have both had stellar campaigns in the WBBL.
The Australian side will compete in Group D alongside Bangladesh, Scotland, and Nepal, with all group stage matches taking place at UKM YSD Oval, located on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.
Group Stage Matches:
- January 18: Australia vs. Scotland
- January 20: Australia vs. Bangladesh
- January 22: Australia vs. Nepal
Kristen Beams, former Australia leg-spinner and current National Development Lead, will coach the squad, with the captain to be announced shortly.
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