India on Sunday won their maiden ICC title in women’s cricket as a bunch of sprightly and talented teenagers lifted the inaugural U-19 Women’s World Cup with an emphatic seven-wicket victory over England.

The Shafali Verma-led India U-19 squad managed to do what their seniors could not do by clearing the final hurdle in a global event.

India first bundled out England for 68 in 17.1 overs and then returned to knock off the paltry target in 14 overs to lift the coveted trophy.

“It is just a proud moment, it’s our first World Cup,” said Gongadi Trisha with stumps in hand after the memorable win.

The win on Sunday also reaffirms India’s dominance at the U-19 level with the boys winning the world title in the Caribbean last year.

Bengal girl Titas Sadhu celebrates a wicket during India’s U-19 final on Sunday. Twitter

India’s bowling attack, led by medium pacer Titas Sadhu, who hails from Chinsurah in Bengal, and supported by leg-spinner Parshavi Chopra, set up the comprehensive win on Sunday as they blew England away with a clinical display at Senwes Park.

While Sadhu showed that India Women’s pace bowling is in safe hands following the retirement of Jhulan Goswami with impressive figures of 4-0-6-2, Chopra too continued her dream run as she snapped 2/13.

Chasing a 69-run target, captain Shafali Verma (15) and her opening partner Shweta Sehrawat (5) were dismissed cheaply. But Soumya Tiwari (24 not out) and Gongadi Trisha (24) dug their heels in with a 46-run partnership.

With four runs needed, Trisha was cleaned up by Stonehouse, as Tiwari knocked off the winning runs.

Cash award

BCCI secretary Jay Shah on Sunday announced a cash reward of Rs 5 crore for the entire U-19 India Women’s squad following their World Cup win.

“Women’s Cricket in India is on the upswing and the World Cup triumph has taken the stature of women’s cricket several notches higher,” the Board secretary tweeted after India’s triumph.

He also invited the entire unit to Ahmedabad on Wednesday to witness the T20I match between India and New Zealand.

Written with inputs from PTI