Indian thunder in Kiwi Land

Auckland: India on Saturday, lifted a record fourth U-19 World Cup trophy after an eight-wicket rout of Australia in the final in Mount Maunganui, underlining their dominant run in the tournament and giving Rahul Dravid the biggest success of his coaching career.

As has been the case through out the tournament, India had all their bases covered with bowlers bouncing back to dismiss Australia for 216 from 183 for four at one stage. The highly-rated batting, barring a minor blip, completed the job with conviction as India chased down the modest target in 38.5 overs.

Delhi-boy Manjot Kalra emerged as the man for big occasion, scoring a sublime 101 not out off 102 balls and anchoring the innings after the loss of captain Prithvi Shaw and team's leading scorer in the tournament, Shubman Gill.

With a fourth crown, India also surpassed Australia in the race of most U-19 World Cup titles. Prior to the final, India and Australia were locked at three titles each. The team's performance was also a fitting tribute to coach Dravid, who finally got his hands on a World Cup trophy. Under Dravid, the side had finished runner-up in the 2016 edition in Bangladesh.

India's previous title came in Australia six years ago when the Unmukt Chand-led team beat the hosts in the final. The Virat Kohli-led side was victorious in 2008 and Mohammad Kaif was captain when India triumphed way back in 2000.

"Really proud of the boys and the effort they put in," said Dravid as his boys continued with the on-field celebrations.

Prez, PM, Sachin ‘salute’ boys
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar and senior captain Virat Kohli were among millions who congratulated the Indian U-19 team for their World Cup winning effort.

"Absolutely thrilled by the stupendous achievement of our young cricketers. Congratulations to them on winning the Under-19 World Cup. This triumph makes every Indian extremely proud," tweeted Prime Minister Modi.

“Congrats to India's talented young cricket team for winning the Under-19 World Cup. Calmness and composure of our boys embellishes their skills. Proud of captain @Shaw_Prithvi and his mates, as well as of coach Rahul Dravid and the hard- working support staff," read a tweet from the official handle of President Ram Nath Kovind.

Tendulkar wished the boys luck for the journey ahead and also lauded the support staff including coach Rahul Dravid.“With great teamwork, big dreams work. Congratulations to our world champions you have made us proud. Excellent job from Rahul and Paras. Thank you for all your contribution and guiding these youngsters," said Tendulkar in a video posted on Twitter. "What a win for the U19 boys, take it as a stepping stone; Long long way to go! Enjoy the moment," wrote India captain Virat Kohli on his Twitter page.