India crowned U19 world champions

Captain Chand’s ton helps team beat Australia in final.

India clinched their third ICC U19 World Cup title, beating defending champions Australia by six wickets in the final, courtesy a superb ton by captain Unmukt Chand.

Chasing a competitive 226, India pulled off the highest successful chase at the Tony Ireland Stadium, Townsville after being reduced to 97 for four in the 25th over.

Chand found an able partner in Smit Patel and the duo added 130 for the fifth wicket to take India past the finish line. Patel hit the winnings run and remained unbeaten on 62, while Chand made 111 not out.

Earlier, Australia captain William Bosisto hit a well-made 87 to help the hosts manage 225 for eight, a respectable total after being 38 for four at one stage. Sandeep Sharma was the pick of the India bowlers, finishing with four for 54.

Meanwhile, Chand was a pleased man after he lifted the trophy and got the man-of-the-match award. “Australia played very well but we came out on top,” said Chand. “The journey has been good and it’s a very emotional moment.”

His counterpart Bosisto was left ruing missed opportunities.

“We dropped crucial catches and we were caught on the wrong side,” said Bosisto. “India did great. This isn’t the first time he Unmukt has terrorised us.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 27^th, 2012.