India became the only side in history to lift the coveted ICC Under-19 World Cup for a record fourth time as they delivered a perfect gift to millions of the game’s fans across the country after beating Australia in the final by eight wickets.
It was a dream affair by a side coached by the legendary Rahul Dravid as the Boys in Blue scripted a remarkable storyline. The team went undefeated in this World Cup, which speaks a lot about their overall dominance. Accolades and fame from across the world have poured in for these boys, as celebrations broke out across the country especially outside the cricketing heroes’ houses.
The #BoysInBlue beat Australia U19 by 8 wickets to clinch the #U19CWC pic.twitter.com/91YeZNJ3hI
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 3, 2018
It is the period to bask in their success and celebrate a memorable victory which will go down as one of the best ever in the tournament’s edition. Credit to the team for showing charisma and strength with Manjot Kalra turning out to be the hero in the finale after scoring a century to help his country sing the victory tunes amidst wild celebrations all around.
Australia chose to bat after winning the toss and were bowled out for 216 from 47.2 overs, with Jonathan Merlo’s 76 their top score. India then made light of the chase as they lost only two wickets in reaching their target in 38.5 overs. Kalra was unbeaten on 101 from 102 balls, while Harvik Desai scored 47.
Kalra became the fifth ever player to hit a century in the final of the ICC U-19 WC.
Here is the review of India’s performance in the ICC U-19 tourney.
THE JOURNEY
India dominated every opponent that came in their way as they clocked six wins out of six. Led by skipper Prithvi Shaw, the team batted like a champion unit, bowled with discipline and fielded sharply to dismantle all their opponents. Indeed there were no surprises then that they steamrolled every team they played.
ALSO READ: Can India unearth raw pace?
The Aussies were decimated in the opener with skipper Shaw smashing 94 off 100 balls, as Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti bowled with a lot of venom and pace. Next, it was a turn for spinner Anukul Roy, who shined with figures of 5/14 to help the side beat minnows PNG. Shaw again smashed another half-century in a paltry 65-run chase.
The Group Stage’s last encounter saw India rip Zimbabwe apart and this time it was Shubman Gill’s valiant 90 runs that stole the show. The knock-outs were as convincing as the group matches. Asian rivals Bangladesh and Pakistan faced the brunt in the quarters and semis respectively.
Gill (86) was outstanding with the bat once again against the Tigers before India thwarted Pakistan with the Punjab batsman smashing another valiant 102*.
THE NEXT GENERATION STARS
The Indian Under-19 cricket has produced a plethora of stars since many years who then went on to become celebrated names in the senior team. The 2018 champions, coached by the legendary Rahul Dravid have already scripted their name in history books that will never be forgotten. But now their real journey starts and how they travel from here on will be a true reflection of their potential.
ALSO READ: U-19 Wizard Shubman Gill Provides A Savoury Touch With The Bat
Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw, and Manjot Kalra took batting to another dimension and showed huge precision to stand tall and back their talent and attributes. Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti dished out on what is in store for India with serious pace and accuracy. They not only clocked speeds in excess of 140 Kmph but picked wickets and received enormous praise and recognition.
Slow left-arm orthodox spinner Anukul Roy was a class act throughout the World Cup and has all the qualities to be a vital cog in the future Indian senior team.
Shubman Gill
Matches: 6, Runs: 372, Best 102*, 50/100: 3/1
Shubman Gill is the #U19CWC Player of the Tournament! 👏 pic.twitter.com/8bO4NTyhBd
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) February 3, 2018
Anukul Roy
Matches 6, Wickets 14, Best: 5/14
Shivam Mavi
Matches: 6, Wickets: 9, Best: 3/45
Kamlesh Nagarkoti
Matches: 6, Wickets: 9, Best: 3/18
THE MENTOR
It looked like the team had all the glory in the offing with former India skipper Rahul Dravid at the thick of things. It speaks about his influence and stature in the Indian cricketing scene and kudos to the BCCI for trusting him with the task of shaping young cricketers.
The BCCI meanwhile announced a cash reward for Dravid and his team after the win. While Dravid will get Rs 50 lakh as a reward, the players and support staff will each get Rs 30 lakh and Rs 20 lakh respectively.
This is what the cricket connoisseur had to say after India’s victory.
“Really proud of the boys and the effort they put in. Proud of the effort they put in and couldn’t be happier for them. It’s really nice for them and hopefully it’s a memory they’ll cherish for a long time, and hopefully it’s not a memory that defines them and they will have a lot more bigger and better memories as they go on ahead in their careers.”
INDIA’S HALL OF FAME
Winning Captains:
1. Mohammed Kaif (2000)
2. Virat Kohli (2008)
3. Unmukt Chand (2012)
4. Prithvi Shaw (2018)
THE MASTER’S WORDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT
WITH GREAT TEAM WORK, BIG DREAMS WORK. Congratulations to our WORLD CHAMPIONS!! We are proud of you. A big congratulations to Rahul and Paras for their guidance. #ICCU19CWC #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/w0heorY8g6
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) February 3, 2018
WISHES POUR IN
Absolutely thrilled by the stupendous achievement of our young cricketers. Congratulations to them on winning the Under-19 World Cup. This triumph makes every Indian extremely proud.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 3, 2018
What a win for the U19 boys, take it as a stepping stone; Long long way to go! Enjoy the moment! 😊👏 @BCCI #U19CWC pic.twitter.com/D8mGdakxZu
— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) February 3, 2018
Wow. What a proud moment for young India. Well done lil ones…May u keep conquering the world. And keep playing FIFA …on the side. A great morning. pic.twitter.com/2aLycIud95
— Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) February 3, 2018
My Heartiest Congratulations to all the team, coaches and support staff of #U19CWC @BCCI. Stupendous achievement👏👏👏
— M C Mary Kom OLY (@MangteC) February 3, 2018
Great performance boys. You were ahead by a country mile all the way. Enjoy the moment #INDvAUS #U19CWCFinal pic.twitter.com/tuXpI9oRY7
— Ravi Shastri (@RaviShastriOfc) February 3, 2018