THE ICC UNDER-19 CRICKET WORLD CUP trophy will be coming to the West Indies for the first time after the Caribbean side defeated three-time champions India Under-19 by five wickets in today’s final.
After restricting India to 145 off 45.1 overs, West Indies reached 146 for five with three balls to spare.
Keacy Carty followed up some brilliant work in the field, topscoring with 52 n.o., and Keemo Paul, who also took two wickets, brought up the winning runs to end unbeaten on 40.
India’s Mayank Dagar took three wickets for 25 runs.
India were set back early, rocking at 50 for five and 87 for six. Sarfaraz Khan offered some hope with his 51 before he fell. Ryan John and Alzarri Joseph took three wickets apiece.
THAT winning feeling!! Congratulations West Indies the #U19CWC champions 2016 pic.twitter.com/Nn0INAgXmR
“Words cannot explain how I feel right now,” said West Indies captain Hetmyer.
“How the guys played today showed we were destined to be champions. It’s pretty hard to sum up how good Joseph and Holder were. They really used the pitches to their advantage. They stood out for us today. They made very big adjustments to each of the pitches. Keacy Carty and Keemo Paul batted very well today. It’ll be a normal Caribbean celebration tonight. I hope for our players to break into their respective sides back home.”
Here are your winners of #U19CWC. Congratulations to the West Indies! #FutureStars pic.twitter.com/bwfJorqfiS
Hosts Bangladesh claimed third place with a three-wicket win over Sri Lanka.
Summarised scores:
India 145 in 45.1 overs (Sarfaraz Khan 51, Rahul Batham 21, Mahipal Lomror 19; Ryan John 3-38, Alzarri Joseph 3-39, Keemo Paul 2-17). West Indies 146-5 in 49.3 overs (Keacy Carty 52 n.o., Keemo Paul 40 n.o., Shimron Hetmyer 23, Tevin Imlach 15; Mayank Dagar 3-25). West Indies won by five wickets.
Sri Lanka 214 in 4.5 overs (Charith Asalanka 76, Salindu Ushan 34, Wanidu Hasaranga 30; Mehidy Hasan 3-28, Mohammad Saifuddin 2-48, Abdul Haleem 2-26). Bangladesh 218-7 in 49.3 overs (Mehidy Hasan 53, Nazmul Hossain 40, Jaker Ali 27 not out; Shammu Ashan 2-39). Bangladesh won by three wickets.
