Former Under-19 World Cup champion Yuvraj Singh wished India ahead of their U19 World Cup final against Australia, urging the team to play with heart. The two sides are set to clash at the Sahara Park Willowmoore Cricket Stadium in Benoni on Sunday, February 11.
Yuvraj was the star-performer in 2000, guiding India to its very-first U19 World Cup title. Yuvraj was adjudged the ‘Player of the Tournament’ in the 2000 U19 World Cup, scoring 203 runs and picking 12 wickets as India lifted the title for the first time under the leadership of former India batter Mohammad Kaif.
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Ahead of the final, Yuvraj took to social media platform ‘X’, saying the country is cheering for them while urging them to play with heart. India will have a chance of lifting the U19 World Cup for a record-extending sixth time, having triumphed in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018 and 2022.
“To our young and talented U-19 boys team, as you go into the final today, we are cheering for you all! Play with heart and express yourselves. Winning the #WorldCup isn’t only about holding a trophy, it’s about igniting a legacy that will shine on into the future. All the best! #BoysInBlue #U19WorldCup #IndVSAus @BCCI,” Yuvraj post on ‘X’.
India reached the final by winning all their matches in the tournament, including the group and knockout-stage. Both Australia and India are unbeaten in the tournament. While India has won all their matches, the Aussies saw their Super Six match against West Indies washed out due to rain.
ROAD TO THE FINAL
The Indian U19 cricket team’s journey to the 2024 World Cup final was characterised by consistent, dominant results. They started with wins against Bangladesh and Ireland, followed by a thumping of the USA to top their group.
The team continued their undefeated run in the Super Sixes, overpowering New Zealand and Nepal. They then went on to register a thrilling two-wicket win over hosts South Africa in the semi-final. Reeling at 55 for 4, captain Uday Saharan and Sachin Dhas led the team to a historic victory, chasing a score of 245.
Meanwhile, Australia started with a shaky four-wicket win over Namibia but bounced back to thrash Zimbabwe by 225 runs. A comfortable six-wicket victory against Sri Lanka saw them top their group.
In the Super Six stage, Australia hammered England by 110 runs (DLS method) and had a no-result against West Indies due to rain. The semi-final against Pakistan was a tense affair, with Australia scraping through by one wicket.
India will be gunning for their sixth U19 World Cup title, while Australia will be aiming to lift the trophy for the fourth time in their history.
