U-19 WC winners' families exuberant over the glory

As the Indian Under-19 cricket team lifted the World Cup trophy after thrashing Australia by eight wickets in the final, the families of the winners' expressed that they could not be more proud of the team for their emphatic victory.

India lifted their record fourth World Cup trophy as they chased 217-run target posted by Australia in just 38.5 overs, with the help of Manjot Kalra's magnificent unbeaten knock of 101 runs.

Praveen Kalra, the father of Manjot, told ANI, "We are proud of him. Manjot will keep on performing like this. He will prove to be a good player for the country in the coming times. Our good wishes are with him."

Off spinner Abhishek Sharma's father also expressed his happiness over India's glory and hailed the team's effort.

"This is the happiest day of my life. Indian won the game one-sidedly. Abhishek is very determined. He used to ask me to make him practice to the level of high-class cricketers," Abhishek's father, who was also a cricketer, said.

He added, "I would now wish he performs sincerely in every match and tournament he plays, including the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy, and play for India team in future."

Meanwhile, Indian skipper Prithvi Shaw's coach Raju Pathak credited former Indian cricketer and Under-19 head coach Rahul Dravid for the victory.

"I will credit coach Rahul Dravid for boosting the team. We were hopeful that Shaw will hit a century but it did not happen. Manjit Kalra batted really well and Harvik Desai too," Pathak said.

It was an all-around performance from the Indian side at the Bay Oval ground in Mount Maunganui here, as the Indian spinners sent shivers through the Australian batsmen's spines with their magical spell while the batsman exhibited magnificent show with the bat.

Opening batsmen Shaw (29) and Kalra gave India a strong start before rain interrupted the play in the fourth over.

Coming to bat at number three spot, swashbuckling batsman Shubman Gill, who had scored a ton in the semifinal against Pakistan, was cleaned up by Param Uppal on 31.

However, Kalra remained rooted on the crease, along with Harvik Desai (47), to guide as India chased down the target of 217 in just 38.5 overs.

For Australia, all-rounder Jonathan Merlo became the highest scorer with his 76-run innings after the Indian blowers ripped through their top-order.

Kamlesh Nagarkoti was the pick of the bowlers for India with three wickets while Ishan Porel and Shivam Mavi bagged two wickets each.

Manjot Kalra was adjudged as 'Man of the Match' while Shubman Gill was awarded 'Player of the Tournament'.

It is to be noted that India have remained unbeaten in the Under-19 World Cup tournament.