India Beat Australia By Eight Wickets To Win Record Fourth Under-19 World Cup
India emerged victorious in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final.
India today lifted a record fourth Under-19 World Cup trophy after an eight-wicket rout of Australia in the final, underlining their dominant run in the tournament and giving Rahul Dravid the biggest success of his coaching career.
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 lineup, barring a minor blip, completed the job with conviction as India chased down the modest target in 38.5 overs.
Manjot Kalra scored 101 not out off 102 balls and anchored the innings after skipper Prithvi Shaw and team's leading scorer in the tournament, Shubman Gil, got out.
With a fourth crown, India surpassed Australia in the race for most Under-19 World Cup titles. Prior to the final, India and Australia were locked at three titles each. The team’s performance was also a tribute to coach Dravid, who finally got his hands on a World Cup trophy.
Under Dravid, the side had finished as the 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.
Earlier, Jonathan Merlo made a solid 76 before the India's left-arm spin duo of Shiva Singh and Anukul Roy sprung into action, limiting Australia to 216.
At 183 for four, Australia looked well on course to reach 250 until the Indian spinners engineered the collapse with the Sangha-led side losing its last six wickets for 33 runs.