U-19 World Cup: Yash Dhull and Co - Positively Brilliant

India players celebrate with the U-19 World Cup after their win over England in the final at Antigua on Saturday. Pic/Getty Images

India skipper Yash Dhull is aware that his life could now change drastically after guiding India to a record fifth U-19 World Cup title but the Delhi youngster does not want the fame and adulation disturb his focus on the game. The Indian camp was rattled by multiple COVID-19 cases but Dhull led the side to an unprecedented fifth World Cup title with a four-wicket win over England in the final.

In a reflection of India's dominance, wicketkeeper Dinesh Bana finished the chase of 190 with two sixes and 14 balls to spare. On winning the toss, England captain Tom Prest chose to bat. India bowled out the opposition for 189 in 44.5 overs. India were all over England before a gritty 95 by James Rew saved his team the blushes. Medium pacer Raj Bawa (5-31) ran through the English middle-order after left-arm seamer Ravi Kumar (4-34) laid the opposition low with two early blows. India kept taking wickets at regular intervals but not for once did the intensity of the team dropped.

Yash Dhull

For close to 19 overs, Rew and James Sales (34 not out) defied India with their 93-run eight-wicket stand, ensuring England recover from a horror 61 for six and then 91 for seven. In response, India lost Angkrish Raghuvanshi without a run on the board but Shaik Rasheed shone with a composed 50 off 84 balls. Skipper Dhull fell for 17, but the duo of Nishant Sindhu (50 not out) and Bawa (35) took the team within striking distance of victory with a 67-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Dhull credited the success to team effort. "It is a big moment, everyone was supporting, so it is a big moment for us to win the tournament. It is a team effort, backing players is a sign of a good team. We kept moving ahead with a positive mindset," said Dhull. The skipper was full of praise for medium pacer Bawa (5-31). "Raj Bawa has an important role as an all-rounder. His mindset is good and he has full confidence in his game," Dhull added.

Brief scores
England 189 all out in 44.5 (J Rew 95, J Sales 34'; R Bawa 5-31, R Kumar 4-34) lost to India 195-6 in 47.4 overs (S Rasheed 50, N Sindhu 50'; J Boyden 2-24, T Aspinwall 2-42, J Sales 2-51) by 4 wickets