Sydney, Dec 11 (UNI) Australia have announced its 15-player squad for the 2025 ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Malaysia between January 18 to February 2.
Among the notable selections is 15-year-old Caoimhe Bray, who has earned her first World Cup call-up following standout performances earlier this year against New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Being the youngest member of the U19 side, Bray shone during the tri-series in Brisbane last September, where she scored 84 runs off 76 balls and took 4-20 in a commanding 119-run victory over New Zealand.
Five players – Chloe Ainsworth, Maggie Clark, Lucy Hamilton, Eleanor Larosa and Kate Pelle – return for their second ICC U19 T20 World Cup, having been part of the campaign in South Africa
in 2023. Maggie Clark (12) picked up the most wickets in the maiden edition of the tournament last year.
The squad boasts extensive domestic experience, with 14 of the 15 players having featured in senior competitions such as the WBBL, WNCL and T20 Spring Challenge, an ICC report said.
Also included in the squad is 16-year-old Tegan Williamson, an underage player who will still be eligible for selection in the 2027 tournament.
Squad: Chloe Ainsworth, Lily Bassingthwaighte, Caoimhe Bray, Ella Briscoe, Maggie Clark, Hasrat Gill, Lucy Hamilton, Amy Hunter, Sara Kennedy, Eleanor Larosa, Grace Lyons, Ines McKeon, Juliette Morton, Kate Pelle, Tegan Williamson.
Australia has been drawn into Group D for the tournament, alongside Bangladesh, Scotland and Nepal. The group stage matches will take place at the UKM YSD Oval on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, starting January 18.
Kristen Beams, Cricket Australia’s National Development Lead, will coach the team, with the captain set to be announced before the tournament begins.
Sonya Thompson, Cricket Australia’s Head of National Development, expressed her excitement about the talent in the squad.
“We’re excited by the level of talent in the World Cup squad, which includes many players who have experience in senior domestic cricket environments," she said.
“The Under-19 World Cup provides players with an exceptional development opportunity, and we look forward to watching the team play in Malaysia," Thompson said.
“The National Youth Selection Panel worked closely with State Talent Managers to select the World Cup Squad, with consideration is given to performances across a variety of competitions, including the T20 Spring Challenge, WNCL, Weber WBBL, International U19 series as well as the National Championships.
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