India lift U-19 World Cup

Mount Maunganui, New Zealand : India lifted a record fourth U-19 World Cup trophy after an eight-wicket rout of Australia in the final yesterday, underlining their dominant run in the tournament and giving Rahul Dravid the biggest success of his coaching career. 

As it has been the case through out the tournament, India had all their bases covered with bowlers bouncing back to dismiss Australia for 216 from 183 for four at one stage. 

The highly-rated batting, barring a minor blip, completed the job with conviction as India chased down the modest target in 38.5 overs. 

India’s Manjot Kalra emerged as the man for big occasion, scoring a sublime 101 not out off 102 balls and anchoring the innings after the loss of skipper Prithvi Shaw and team’s leading scorer in the tournament, Shubman Gil. 

With a fourth crown, India surpassed Australia in the race of most U-19 World Cup titles. Prior to the final, India and Australia were locked at three titles each.

The team’s performance was also a fitting tribute to coach Dravid, who finally got his hands on a World Cup trophy. Under Dravid, the side had finished runner-up in the 2016 edition in Bangladesh.

India’s previous title came in Australia six years ago when the Unmukt Chand-led team beat the hosts in the final. 

The Virat Kohli-led side was victorious in 2008 and Mohammed Kaif was captain when India triumphed way back in 2000. 

In the current edition, India were the overwhelming favourites and they played like one, dishing out dominant performances one after the other.