Unmukt Chand became only the third batsman in history to score a century in an ICC U19 Cricket World Cup final as India defeated Australia by six wickets at Tony Ireland Stadium here in Townsville on Sunday. Chand, who had scored only 135 runs in the lead up to the final, thoroughly displayed his temperament, talent and shot-selection to score a masterly 111 not out as India achieved the 226 runs target for the loss of six wickets with 14 balls to spare. The victory gave India its third World Cup title, after M Kaif and Virat Kohli had lifted the trophies in 2000 in Sri Lanka and 2008 in Malaysia. In contrast, Australia failed in its attempt to match Pakistan’s feat of winning back-to-back titles. Both Australia and India now have won the World Cup three times, while Pakistan has won it twice and England once.
Scores in brief: Final – India beat Australia by six wickets at Tony Ireland Stadium, Townsville
Australia 225 for eight, 50 overs (Will Bosisto 87 not out, Aston Turner 43; Sandeep Sharma 4-54), India 227 for four, 47.4 overs (Unmukt Chand 111 not out, Smit Patel 62 not out, Baba Aparajith 33), Player of the Final – Unmukh Chand (India), Player of the Tournament – Will Bosisto (Australia).
