Palghar, February 6
There were scenes of celebrations, ecstacy and absolute jubilation at young batter Ayush Mhatre's residence following his ICC Under-19 World Cup triumph as a captain, which is also India's record-extending sixth title.
Mhatre, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and RS Ambrish were among the top players as India first climbed a mountainous total of 411/9 and then managed to contain England to 311 all-out despite a counter-attacking century by Caleb Falconer. Mhatre, who was having an off-colour season for the most part, came in clutch with fiery half-centuries in the semifinal and final, leading his team from the front.
Close family and friends were watching the match in Palghar, cheering India's good moments, chanting 'Ganpati Bappa Moreya' and 'Bharat Mata ki Jai' and clapping, some holding Indian flags.
Ayush's mother said to ANI, "I am very happy today that the world is seeing my son. He has the support and blessings of everyone. We are all very happy. Ayush has worked very hard since his childhood. The fruits of his hard work are visible and may Lord Ganpati keep blessing him."
His father, Yogesh, was also emotional after the win, celebrating with his loved ones by his side.
Speaking to the media, he said, "I cannot express my feelings in words. My son is bringing home the cup. Everyone is congratulating us. He had dreamt of something, and it came true. He was working hard for so many years, and today the result is in front of everyone. This is a lifetime achievement. We are very proud of him."
In seven matches, he scored 214 runs at an average of 30.57, with a strike rate of 113.22, with three fifties. He also took seven wickets at an average of 12.42, including a three-fer against Pakistan, too.
The skippers to win the U19 WC title are: Mohammed Kaif (2000 edition), Virat (2008 edition), Unmukt Chand (2012 edition), Prithvi Shaw (2018 edition) and Yash Dhull (2022 edition). Kaif, Virat, and Shaw have played for India at the international level, with Virat by far the most successful of these. Mhatre could be the next one to take the Indian cap, given his attacking style of cricket fits the team's current philosophy, with the 2027 50-over World Cup and the 2029 ICC Champions Trophy ahead.
This 100-run win is the biggest in a U19 WC final; the previous best was 79 runs for Australia against India in Benoni in 2024.
Since 2016 at the U19 WC, India has played 38 matches, winning 35 and losing just three, for a winning percentage of 92.1. The three defeats came in the finals of the 2016, 2020 and 2024 editions respectively.
After India opted to bat first, a stunner, record-shattering Vaibhav Suryavanshi masterclass (175 in 80 balls, with 15 fours and 15 sixes), a half-century from skipper Ayush Mhatre (53 in 51 balls, with seven fours and two sixes) and a knock from Abhigyan Kundu (40 in 31 balls, with six fours and a six) guided India to a massive 411/9.
England lost an early wicket but went from 142/2 courtesy a fine knock from Ben Dawkins (66 in 56 balls, with seven fours and two sixes) and a partnership with skipper Thomas Rew (31 in 18 balls, with four boundaries and a six), but collapsed to 177/7 as they progressed. Falconer (115 in 67 balls, with nine fours and seven sixes) put on a spectacular show of power, but all in vain, as they are yet to win the title since the 1998 edition. England was skittled out for 311 runs, with this 722 runs being the highest match aggregate in the U19 WC final.
- ANI
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