India defeated England by four wickets to clinch a record-extending fifth Under-19 Men’s World Cup title at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua on Saturday.
Despite an early wicket, Shaik Rasheed’s half-century calmed early nerves before England made some steady inroads into the batting order. Nishant Sindhu then struck a crucial unbeaten 50, sharing an important stand with Raj Bawa, and at the end, it was Dinesh Bana, who smashed successive sixes to take India home with 14 balls to spare.
Earlier, after winning the toss, James Rew’s wonderful 95 was the highlight of England’s innings as pacers Raj Bawa (5/31) and Ravi Kumar (4/34) shone with the ball for India to take 9 wickets between them to bowl out the opposition for 189.
“Proud moment for India, that we have managed to achieve this. It was difficult at the start to get the combination right. but as time went we became a family and the team atmosphere was good,” said Indian captain Yash Dhull.
India remained unbeaten throughout the Under-19 World Cup tournament.
Yash Dhull becomes the fifth Indian captain to win the title after Mohammad Kaif, Virat Kohli, Unmukt Chand and Prithvi Shaw.
Earlier India had won the U19 World Cup in 2000, 2008, 2012 and 2018.
“Choosing to bat first, we would have liked a better start. James Rew deserved a hundred. We have a strong bowling attack and taking a wicket in the first over got the mood up. But they batted really well and had a couple of great partnerships so credit to them. The experience has been amazing and we are very proud of our achievements,” said Tom Prest, England Captain.
Brief score:
England: 189 all out (James Rew 95, James Sales 35*, Raj Bawa 5-31)
India: 195/6 (Shaik Rasheed 50, Nishant Sindhu 50*, Joshua Boyden 2-24)
Raj Bawa is named the Man of the Match for his 5/31 with the ball and 35
The Board of Control for Cricket in India announced an INR 40 lakh reward for every player of the winning team.
