West Indies Under-19 Women suffered a humbling nine-wicket loss to defending champions India in their opening ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup match at Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday.

Asked to bat first, the Caribbean side never found their footing as India’s bowlers dismantled their lineup for a meager 44 runs in just 13.2 overs. The West Indies’ highest partnership was a modest 10 runs for the opening stand between Asabi Callender (12) and captain Samara Ramnath (3).

Only Kenika Cassar, with a top score of 15, managed to join Callender in double figures as wickets tumbled rapidly. India’s bowlers, led by Parunika Sisodia (3-7), Aayushi Shukla (2-6), and VJ Joshitha (2-5), were clinical, backed by sharp fielding efforts.

India's players celebrate a wicket. (Photos: ICC/Getty Images)

India wasted no time in their chase, as they raced to 47-1 in just 4.2 overs. Sanika Chalke (18 not out from 11 balls) and G Kamalini (16 not out from 13 balls) sealed the victory with an unbroken 43-run partnership after Jahzara Claxton managed a consolation wicket when she took a return catch off Gongadi Trisha for 4.

The win catapulted India to the top of Group A with two points, narrowly ahead of Sri Lanka, who trounced host Malaysia by 139 runs in their opener. Meanwhile, West Indies sit at the bottom of the standings and face a must-win clash against Sri Lanka on Tuesday to keep their hopes of advancing beyond the group stage alive.

Scores: West Indies: 44 all out in 13.2 overs (Kenika Cassar 15, Asabi Callender 12; Parunika Sisodia 3-7, VJ Joshitha 2-5); India: 47-1 in 4.2 overs (Sanika Chalke 18*, G Kamalini 16*; Jahzara Claxton 1-18)