ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025: Parunika Sisodia credits her father as inspiration to play cricket

Parunika Sisodia prepared for her ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup 2025 semi-final in the same way that she does every game – speaking to her father.

Sudhir Singh Sisodia is a cricket coach these days, having previously played domestically in India and while his daughter did not initially share his passion for cricket – instead preferring tennis – she has grown to love the sport.

Now, after helping India to a second successive final in the competition, Sisodia is delighted to be able to repay the support her father has given her.

She said: “Today, I woke up very early and had nothing to do. We have a team room so I went there and had a yoga and meditation session. Then I came back, had breakfast and talked to my dad.

“I will always talk to my dad before coming to a match. He played domestic cricket and now he is a coach and me playing is something that has deepened our bond. When I was younger, every time he used to take me to a ground, I was never interested at first, but gradually I started getting that interest. He is the happiest person to see his daughter choosing the game that he loved. I’m very happy to give that happiness to my dad.”

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India have won every match convincingly to reach the semi-finals, but when Sisodia was thrown the ball, England were off to a flying start, racing to 37 for none after four overs.

She made an instant impact, removing Jemima Spence and Trudy Johnson to stem the tide of runs, before coming back and dismissing the dangerous Katie Jones, all three batters bowled out by the left-arm spinner.

In tandem with Vaishnavi Sharma and Aayushi Shukla, Sisodia was able to swing the momentum India’s way with England eventually able to muster 113 for eight from their 20 overs.

That was not enough as Gongadi Trisha (35) and G Kamalini (56 not out) propelled them to a nine-wicket win, leaving Sisodia delighted at the prospect of a final against South Africa and a potential successful defence of the title.

She added: “This was the goal, getting to the final and performing well all through the tournament. The support I have got from the support staff and the team has been amazing. It’s been a wonderful journey. This team has become like a home to us.

“We have made it our motto that we are not going to worry about pressure, we are just going to enjoy the game. Whatever happens, we will go through it together. It’s ‘11 against all.’ We have been playing together for seven or eight months. Our support staff has always been there and made sure we are together, making sure we are having fun.

“I’m happier that we are in the final than getting player of the match or getting those wickets. Since this morning, I had that butterflies-in-my-stomach feeling. It’s relaxed now that we are finally there, one more game to go.

“We are here to dominate, and every time we enter the field that is the goal, we are going to dominate and be ruthless.”