Published: Feb 11, 2024, 12:00 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 11, 2024, 12:00 PM (IST)
U19 WC2024: India has advanced to the final of the Under-19 World Cup for the fifth time in a row and ninth in total. Their most recent success came in the semi-finals against South Africa, when they won by a scant two wickets to proceed to the final against Australia. The highly anticipated final is due to take place on Sunday, February 11, at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, South Africa, setting the ground for an exciting match between the Colts in Blue and their Australian opponents.
As India prepares for the forthcoming final, it is worthwhile to reflect on their previous Under-19 World Cup performances.
2000 World Cup:
India won their first U19 World Cup championship in 2000, defeating Sri Lanka by six wickets; the event included stars who would go on to play for the Indian senior squad, like Mohammad Kaif (captain) and Yuvraj Singh. The side knocked Sri Lanka out for 178, with Shalabh Srivastava taking three wickets.
2006 World Cup:
In February 2006, India reached the Under-19 World Cup final for the second time, however their efforts were unsuccessful. India suffered a heartbreaking 38-run defeat to archrival Pakistan. Despite a modest chase of 110, the Indian team collapsed and was bowled out for 71, resulting in a painful defeat in their second final appearance.
2008 World Cup:
Continuing their outstanding performance, India advanced to the final stage of the next event. Led by Virat Kohli, the youthful Indian side put up a courageous performance to overcome South Africa by 12 runs (D/L method) in the final, demonstrating their resilience and commitment on the biggest platform.
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2012 World Cup:
India repeated their title in the 2012 Under-19 World Cup in Australia. Unmukt Chand led India to a six-wicket victory over Australia in the final. Chand’s outstanding century earned him the Player of the Match title.
2016 World Cup:
Despite reaching the final of the 2016 edition, India was disappointed in the last clash. India lost the final against a powerful West Indies squad by five wickets. Chasing a target of 146, the Caribbean team won with three balls to spare, leaving India to contemplate what may have been.
2020 World Cup:
India’s path to the 2020 U19 World Cup ended in misery, when they were defeated in the final by neighbors Bangladesh. India was knocked out for 177, while Bangladesh astonished many by chasing down the mark with three wickets remaining.
2022 World Cup:
In the most recent edition, India won its fifth Under-19 World Cup victory courtesy to Raj Bawa’s outstanding all-round performance. India defeated England in the final with a strong performance. Bawa’s extraordinary bowling numbers of 5/31 and key knock of 35 off 54 balls with the bat were critical in India’s miraculous victory, establishing their reputation as champions once more.
