The Navhind Times Goa News
IANS
TAURANGA (NEW ZEALAND)
Promising opener Manjot Kalra played a starring role with an unbeaten century as India overpowered Australia by eight wickets in the final to claim the ICC U19 World Cup for a record fourth time here on Saturday.
The opener batted through the innings for his 101 runs off 102 deliveries as the Indians romped past the modest target of 217 runs with 67 balls to spare.
The Indians were dominant throughout the tournament, winning all their six matches in comprehensive fashion on their way to the title.
India thus became the first nation to win the ICC U19 World Cup four times. They had earlier won the title in 2000, 2008 and 2012.
Australia are second on the list with three titles.
This is the second time that India have defeated Australia in the final. They had earlier defeated the boys from Down Under in the final of the 2012 edition. The victory triggered off an avalanche of congratulatory messages from various quarters with present and former senior Indian team stars joining President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in hailing the Indian colts. Batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar and India skipper Virat Kohli led the cricket fraternity in congratulating the Rahul Dravid-coached team.
