It has been a remarkable journey for skipper Yash Dhull and his boys in the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2022 as India U-19 team defeated England U-19 in the final match of the tournament by 4 wickets.
Indian team claimed their fifth U-19 World Cup title after beating England in the mega final.
The previous four titles and how India became champions
In the 2000 edition of the event, the Indian team had played in the final match for the first time and the Mohammad Kaif-led side had won the maiden U-19 World Cup in that edition after defeating Sri Lanka in the final by 6 wickets. Batting first, Sri Lanka U-19 team had registered a total of 178 runs and in reply, Indian team lost four wickets to successfully reach the target. India’s Reetinder Singh Sodhi was adjudged the Man of the Match.
In 2008, the Virat Kohli-led side defeated South Africa U-19 team in the final match by 12 runs (D/L method). Batting first, India registered a paltry total of 159 runs. But a superb bowling display exhibited by the Indian bowlers helped to clinch the second U-19 World Cup title.
In 2012, the Indian team under the leadership of Unmukt Chand had reached the final again and eventually they were champions as they had defeated Australia U-19 team by six wickets. Batting first, the Aussies registered a formidable total of 225 runs losing eight wickets. In reply, the Indian team reached the target losing only four wickets and skipper Chand was rewarded with the Man of the Match award.
In 2018, the Prithvi Shaw-led Indian side defeated Australia U-19 by 8 wickets to clinch the trophy for fourth time. Batting first, the Aussies registered a total of 216 runs. In reply, Indian team successfully chased down the total losing just two wickets. India’s Manjot Kalra was given the Man of the Match award for his terrific century.
Two more final matches
Apart from these four times, India team also reached the final on two more occasions.
In 2006, India team did reach the final but they had to concede a 38-run defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan in the final clash. Batting first, Pakistan U-19 team registered a mere total of 109 runs but in reply, India U-19 team could only score 71 runs.
In 2016, Indian U-19 team played in the final match once again. Indian team that had players like- Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar, Sarfaraz Khan and many other prominent names, were the favourites to win the trophy. But a poor batting display in the final, saw the Indian team score just 145 runs against West Indies. Eventually, India lost the final by 5 wickets.