Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2018: Jason Sangha praises Prithvi Shaw’s India, wishes them luck for IPL

Manjot Kalra smacked an unbeaten 101 as India beat Australia by eight wickets to win the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup for a fourth time. Jason Sangha, Australia skipper, praised Prithvi Shaw’s side, admitting they were far ahead of them across all departments.

Dejected after an eight-wicket thrashing by India in the final of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2018 on Saturday, Australian captain Jason Sangha heaped praise on his rivals, admitting that they deserved to be champions on the day. (HIGHLIGHTS)

Indian U-19 cricket team players, led by Prithvi Shaw, celebrate with the trophy after Manjot Kalra’s ton powered them to a eight-wicket win over the Jason Sangha-led Australia in the final of the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup on Saturday. (AFP)

This was the second time that the Indians had defeated the Australians in this tournament. The Boys in Blue had earlier mauled the Aussies by 100 runs in a group stage match.

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“They outplayed us. Full credit to India. They played very well. Good for their supporters who came out today. Best of luck to the guys for the IPL,” Sangha told the media after the final.

(Read | He wants to play under Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill’s dad after India rout Australia to lift Under-19 Cricket World Cup)

Opener Manjot Kalra then spearheaded the Indian run chase with an unbeaten century as the Boys in Blue romped to victory with 67 balls to spare.

Kalra remained unbeaten on 101 runs off 102 deliveries while Harvik Desai was not out on 47 at the other end.

(Read | Rahul Dravid full of pride after Indian triumph in ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup)

Despite being outplayed in the final, Sangha asserted that he was proud of the way the Australians performed throughout the tournament.

“I really don’t know what to say at the moment but I’m so proud of the guys. We’ve grown and grown as cricketers. Hopefully, we can go back home and learn from these mistakes.

(Read | Manjot Kalra, the Delhi lad who batted India to the U-19 Cricket World Cup title)

“The guys played really well and did what I asked them to do. And to work with the support staff and guys with international experience was great for us kids. We’ve enjoyed our time in New Zealand,” Sangha said.

“The best thing about today was the guys really tried to grind it in. As captain, you can’t really complain when they’re giving 110 percent with bat and ball, but credit to India,” he added.

“Thank you to the crowd today as well. It as fantastic to see them come today. Thanks everyone, and congratulations India.”