2018 ICC Under-19 World Cup: 5 players who contributed to India's triumph
After 20 days of mind-blowing cricket in New Zealand, we finally have a new champion at the Under-19 level. The Indian U-19 team, in a one-sided contest at Bay Oval in Tauranga, defeated the Australian U-19 team by 8 wickets to lift the World Cup for a record 4th time in the 30-year long history of the tournament.
Entering the World Cup final as the only undefeated team in the tournament, India chased a target of 217 in only 37.5 overs, courtesy an impressive 101 from opener Manjot Kalra. Coached by none other than Rahul Dravid himself, the next generation of International cricketers were able to fend off challenges from not only Australia, but also India's own neighbours Bangladesh and Pakistan in the quarter-finals and semi-finals.
In what can be regarded as a complete team effort, there were a few players who were able to shine when it mattered the most.
Kamlesh Nagarkoti
The leader of the Indian pace attack, the 18-year-old from Barmer, Rajasthan, ended up as India's second highest wicket-taker in the tournament, with 9 wickets in 6 matches. Possessing an impressive economy rate of just 3.48, Nagarkoti, along with his bowling partner Shivam Mavi, did not allow the opposition to score freely in the opening overs of the innings.
With two impressive 3-wicket hauls, one against Australia in the group stage match and the other against Bangladesh in the all-important quarter-finals, Nagarkoti's performances throughout the World Cup always proved more than handy for the Indian team.