U-19 world cup: BCCI announces cash reward for the team

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has announced a cash reward of Rs 30 lakh to each player of the Indian Under-19 Cricket team, who made the country proud by lifting their record fourth ICC U-19 World Cup title in New Zealand on Saturday.

The board also declared that India U-19 head coach and former Indian cricketer Rahul Dravid will be rewarded with Rsd 50 lakh, while the support staff will be given a cash reward of Rs 20 lakh each.

Congratulating the India U-19 team for their tremendous performance, Committee of Administrators (COA) chief Vinod Rai said, "I congratulate the U19 team who have made the country proud. Head Coach Rahul Dravid played his cricket with sincerity and it was pleasing to see the boys uphold the value. They have been fantastic athletes and even better ambassadors. The boys have done so well, and I am sure they will work hard and climb the ladder and represent the senior team in the future."

Echoing similar views, Diana Edulji, Member, CoA, said, "The consistent performance is a testimony to the fact of BCCI's initiative in nurturing the talent and providing them with an environment to the youngsters and perform to their potential. I congratulate Rahul Dravid and his team for returning home with the glittering ICC World Cup."

Earlier, Indian opening batsman Manjot Kalra grabbed the eyeballs as he struck an unbeaten 101-run knock to help the Men in Blue beat Australia by eight wickets in the finals of the ICC U-19 World Cup at the Bay Oval ground in Mount Maunganui here on Saturday.

It was an all-around performance from the Prithvi Shaw-led side as earlier the Indian spinners sent shivers through the Australian batsmen's spines with their magical spell, followed by a magnificent show with the bat.

Opening batsmen Shaw (29) and Kalra gave India a strong start before rain interrupted the play in the fourth over.

Coming to bat at number three spot, swashbuckling batsman Shubman Gill, who had scored a ton in the semifinal against Pakistan, was cleaned up by Param Uppal on 31.

However, Kalra remained rooted on the crease, along with Harvik Desai (47), to guide as India chased down the target of 217 in just 38.5 overs.

For Australia, all-rounder Jonathan Merlo became the highest scorer with his 76-run innings after the Indian blowers ripped through their top-order.

Kamlesh Nagarkoti was the pick of the bowlers for India with three wickets while Ishan Porel and Shivam Mavi bagged two wickets each.

Manjot Kalra was adjudged as 'Man of the Match' while Shubman Gill was awarded 'Player of the Tournament'.

It is to be noted that India have remained unbeaten in the Under-19 World Cup tournament.

--ANI