The Indian team staged a fabulous comeback against Australia in the U-19 ICC World Cup Tournament Final, at Bay Oval Stadium in Tauranga (New Zealand) on February 3. At one point in time, where Australia was looking to post over 250-260 runs on the scoreboard, the Indian bowlers roared back with ferocious bowling performances. Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ishan Porel, Anukul Roy, and Shiva Singh took two wickets each, whereas Shivam Mavi chipped in with a single wicket. For Australia, Jonathan Merlo was the pick of the batsmen as he top scored for the side with an innings of 76 runs.

The Australian innings saw a brisk start with both openers Jack Edwards and Max Bryant playing their shots with composure. However, the opening stand was broken by fast bowler Ishan Porel, as he had Bryant pouched at Cover by Abhishek Sharma. Jack Edwards and Australia Captain Jason Sangha fell in quick succession later as Australia failed to capitalise on the opening stand. Param Uppal and Jonathan Merlo steadied and their ship and stitched a crucial partnership of 75 runs.

The Boys in Blue ensured that there was no other big partnership and they were able to take wickets at regular intervals. Jonathan Merlo had held one end steadily while no other Australian batsmen contributed significantly. The Australian team suffered a batting collapse in the end as they were bundled out on 216 runs.

Earlier, Australia had won the toss and Aussie Jason Sangha elected to bat first. India Captain Prithvi Shaw said that they would have liked to bat first too. Both the sides played the same playing XI which they played in the semi-finals.

The Indian bowlers did their best to restrict Australia on 216, and it is upto their batsmen to see their side through. Prithvi Shaw, Manjot Kalra, and Shubham Gill have been in fine-touch in this U-19 World Cup tournament. The Indian team and fans will be banking heavily on the batting trio to see their side emerge as a winner and be the U-19 World Cup Champions for the record fourth time.Stay tuned for all the Live Updates of ICC Under-19 World Cup tournament.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 03, 2018 10:42 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).