Manjot Kalra steers India to its fourth ICC Under-19 World Cup title

The Indian colts created history by winning a record fourth ICC U19 World Cup as they outclassed Australia in a one-sided affair at the Bay Oval, in Maunganui, New Zealand. Manjot Kalra's 101-run knock with support from Shubnam Gill (31 runs) and Harvik Desai (47 runs) handed Australia an eight-wicket defeat in the title clash. After winning the toss, the Aussies decided to bat first but failed to put up a competitive total on the board. They lost wickets at regular intervals while Jonathan Merlo top scoring with 76 runs. Fast bowlers Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Ishan Porel took two wickets each, while Shiva Singh also dismissed a couple. Anukul Roy took two wickets and ended as the highest wicket of the tournament with 14 scalps along with Afghanistan's Qais Ahmad. Chasing a modest total of 217, India started with ease as openers Prithvi Shaw and Manjot Kalra was scoring runs at will. The first wicket fell when India's score read 71. Shubman Gill, the centurion from the semi-final against Pakistan chipped in with a quick 31-run innings before he was shown the door. Manjot Kalra was the highlight of the match, reminding everyone of Unmukt Chand's knock in the 2012 edition of the showpiece event. Source: Hindustan Times Not surprising that Kalra was awarded the 'Man of the Match' while talented youngster Shubnam Gill was adjudged the 'Player of the Series'. Gill scored a total of 372 runs in the tournament from 6 matches. The Rahul Dravid led team performed brilliantly throughout the tournament, winning each and every match convincingly. This is by far the most dominating ICC U19 World Cup campaign by the 'Men in Blue'. Indian captain Prithvi Shaw was all in praise of the legendary cricketer and also the support staff. Can't express what I'm feeling right now, really proud of it. All credit to our support staff for really supporting us for the last two years' said an overjoyed Prithvi following the historic win. 'Rahul Sir himself is a legend, the Wall we call him. It was a crucial hundred from Manjot. Gill was batting so well. Both pacers, Kamlesh and Mavi, have been executing things so well through the tournament. It's been wonderful playing matches here', he added.