India played exceptionally well during the whole tournament, but the cup goes to the better team. And it was Bangladesh which romped home pulling a stunning upset over tournament favourites, India (“Bangladesh stun India to win U-19 cricket World Cup,” Feb.9, Gulf Today).

India were the defending champions and were tipped to win their third successive World Cup final with ease, but their Bangladeshi rivals proved their mettle in splendid style. All credit to skipper Akbar Ali who got his side back into game from a 106 for six slump to achieving the victory target of 178.

There is no doubt that the Bangladeshi boys were a much superior side in the final but the Indian side was also outstanding. Besides, it was a treat to watch Yashasvi Jaiwal and leg-spinner Ravi BIshnoi rattle their opponents throughout the tournament.

Bishnoi finished the U-19 World Cup with 17 wickets, the highest in the tournament and also the most by an Indian in the tournament, while Jaiswal who topped the charts with 400 runs bagged the Player of the Series award. A great achievement there for Jaiswal who struggled to make ends meet only to get a spot in the sport.

As for India the highlight of the series would probably be the semi-final tie against arch-rivals Pakistan. The 10-wicket win stole the show in what is stated to be the first-ever 10-wicket win in knock-outs of a U-19 World Cup. While Jaiswal scored a century, he and his opening partner Divyaansh Saxena chased down the set target of 173 runs with not much of a bother.

The southpaw who said “It is just the start though, I have to work really hard in the future as well,” was lauded for his feat by leading stars in the fraternity ranging from Virendra Sehwag to VVS Laxman. Most specifically he was congratulated because of the effort he puts into every game.

His success is noteworthy more because, on moving from UP to Mumbai he took up part-time jobs at a milk dairy and sold panipuri to support his cricketing dream. It’s paying him rich dividends.

Ralph R
By email