India clutches their fifth Under-19 World Cup victory

India has unrivaled domination in U-19 World Cups. In a dramatic final in Antigua on Saturday, they added another trophy to their collection, reaffirming the power of India’s age-group programmes by defeating England by four wickets. Both India and England had gone undefeated to the final. However, after an hour of play, England’s tame batting and India’s skill with the ball revealed a gap between the two teams.

In their first innings, England were reduced to 47/5 in 13 overs, with all of the spoils falling to India’s seam bowlers. However, with a 93-run eighth-wicket stand, England were able to post a fighting target. From a position of complete dominance, India finally encountered English resistance in the form of James Rew, the No. 4 batsman. With the help of James Sales, Rew gained confidence and began stroking amazing high-percentage boundaries against seam and spin. He missed his century by a whisker, holing out to the deep square boundary on 95, and England surrendered soon after.

Raj Bawa took a five wickets haul (5/31) and helped in dismissing England at a mere score of 189, and scored 35 crucial runs for India. Nishant Sindhu and Shaik Rasheed have also contributed significant half centuries to claim India’s fifth victory, following victories in 2000, 2008, 2012, and 2018. India lost Angkrish Raghuvanshi (0) early in their pursuit for 190, but Shaik Rasheed and Harnoor Singh stabilized the run-chase with a 49-run partnership. Harnoor scored 21and lost his wicket, putting India behind in the 190-yard dash. Rasheed kept on working his second half century, couldn’t complete the job. After scoring 17, India’s skipper Yash Dhull also perished, putting India at 97/4.