India defeated England in a low-scoring contest on Saturday to lift their fifth Under-19 World Cup title.
England called it right at the toss and opted to bat first. Unfortunately, the decision didn’t go well as they lost Jacob Bethell in the second over. Ravi Kumar’s inswinger trapped him in the front.
Ravi Kumar troubled the England batting line-up once again and this time with the big wicket of the skipper Tom Prest. The latter dragged a short ball to the stumps giving India the upper hand.
Raj Bawa then took over, running through the top and middle order of England. In a whisker, the team found themselves at 61 for 6.
James Rew then joined hands with lower-order batters to show some resistance. In the process, he made 95 runs from 116 before getting out to Ravi Kumar.
Bawa then ended the England innings to return with five wickets. Chasing 190, India lost Raghuvanshi for a duck.
However, Harnoor Singh and Shaik Rasheed had a good partnership in the middle. While Rasheed stood there, he had different partners, making a cameo.
The vice-captain made a half-century and kept India in the hunt throughout. After his dismissal, India had Nishant Sindhu and Raj Bawa steadying the ship. Bawa got out for a well-made 35 while Nishant Sindhu stood there until the end. He made his first World Cup half-century in the final of the tournament.
Though the batters took a few extra deliveries, they made sure that the team got over the line with ease. Thanks to the Indian bowlers, there was not much scoreboard pressure when they were batting though the match went down to the final few overs.
In the end, Dinesh Bana smashed a couple of consecutive sixes to help India lift the trophy. This is the 5th time the team has lifted the trophy.
Yash Dhull joins the elite list of Mohammad Kaif(2000), Virat Kohli(2008), Unmukt Chand(2012), Prithvi Shaw (2018).
England U19: 189/10
James Rew – 95 (116)
Raj Bawa- 5/31
Ravi Kumar- 4/34
India U19: 195/6
Nishant Sindhu- 50* (54)
Shaik Rasheed – 50(84)
Joshua Boyden- 2/24
