U-19 World Cup: BCCI congratulates victorious India colts

Mumbai [India], Feb. 3 (ANI): The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) congratulated the India team, who thumped Australia by eight wickets to lift their fourth ICC U-19 World Cup, at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui, on Saturday.

Before they arrived in New Zealand, India were favourites to win the title and they have performed like champions right from the first game.

With the victory in the finals, India are now the most successful side in the history of the tournament with four titles.

The performance of the youngsters is an extension of the strong system that BCCI has built where talent is identified, nurtured and given an opportunity to shine.

CK Khanna, Acting President of the BCCI, said, “The nation is celebrating today thanks to the India U19 team. The boys have been terrific and did not let their guard down. The winning margins in all the matches show their dominance. It speaks about the rich quality we have not only at the senior level, but also at the junior level. Despite most of the boys playing in New Zealand for the first time, they adapted brilliantly to the conditions. We have a good mix of fast bowlers, spinners, and batsmen, who are capable of winning the match on their own.”

Echoing similar views, BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Choudhary said India are the only team to have qualified in the finals of the last three ICC events.

 “It's a proud day for everyone associated with the BCCI and Indian cricket. India are the only team to have qualified for the final of the last three ICC events. The Virat Kohli-led side qualified for the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 in England, Mithali Raj's girls made it to the summit clash of the ICC Women's World Cup and Prithvi Shaw's boys have lifted the U19 crown in New Zealand. When it comes to performances in ICC events, India have always raised their level,” he said.

The Indian colts become the first team to win the title four times as earlier they were tied with Australia with three titles each. The Men in Blue have also remained unbeaten in the Under-19 World Cup tournament.

And BCCI CEO Rahul Johri insisted that winning the prestigious tournament without losing a solitary game is a fantastic achievement.

“Winning the World Cup without losing a solitary game is a fantastic achievement and I congratulate everyone for this dominant show. India have won the World Cup for a record fourth time and expectations from these boys are going to be high. In Rahul Dravid, we have a fantastic coach who is moulding the youngsters and also fine-tuning the boys at the India A level before they progress to the senior side,” Rahul Johri said.

Indian opening batsman Manjot Kalra grabbed the eyeballs with his unbeaten 101-run knock as the Men in Blue chased down the target of 217 in just 38.5 overs.

It was an all-around performance from the Men in Blue as the spinners sent shivers through the Australian batsmen’s spines with their magical spell, followed by a magnificent show with the bat.

Skipper Prithvi Shaw (29), swashbuckling batsman Shubman Gill (31) and Harvik Desai (47) also contributed with the bat to guide India to the World Cup glory.

Meanwhile, Kamlesh Nagarkoti was the pick of the bowlers for India with three wickets while Ishan Porel and Shivam Mavi bagged two wickets each.

Manjot Kalra was adjudged as 'Man of the Match' while Shubman Gill was awarded 'Player of the Tournament'.(ANI)