India lift U-19 World Cup

India lifts the ICC Under-19 World Cup with a thrashing eight-wicket defeat on Australia in the final at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui today.

Left-handed opener Manjot Karla hit an unbeaten 101 as India toppled Australia’s modest 216 with eight wickets in hand and a staggering 67 ball to spare in the day-night final. It was India’s fourth title in the youth World Cup and they claimed it without losing a game in the competition.

Monjot hit eight fours and three sixes in his 102 balls knock. He shared 89 runs for the unbroken third wicket with Desai, who hit an unbeaten 47. Opener Prithivi Shaw scored 29 and one-down Shubman Gill 31 in a chase that was never been in trouble. Mojot was adjudged player of the final for his fine century while Gill won the player of the tournament award.

Earlier, electing to bat Australia failed to build up any considerable partnership despite a fine 76 by middle-order batsman Jonathan Merlo. Four Indian bowlers took two wickets each in a very disciplined and versatile attack.