With strong support from Baba Aparajith and Smit Patel, Chand’s leadership crowned India as champions
Twelve years ago today, India clinched their third Under-19 World Cup. Captain Unmukt Chand dazzled with a match-winning century in the final against Australia at Tony Ireland Stadium.
His undefeated performance was the standout moment of the day, guiding his team to a historic victory. Chand, aided by Baba Aparajith and Smit Patel's strong backing, guided India to another championship victory, building on their titles from 2000 to 2008.
#OnThisDay in 2012, India won the Under 19 World Cup!
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) August 26, 2018
🇮🇳🏆 pic.twitter.com/lKURELxzcG
Chand and Smit Patel crafted a thrilling 130-run partnership for the fifth wicket, rescuing India from a precarious 97 for 4. Their calm and calculated hitting kept the chase under control.
In the 48th over, Patel's powerful pull to the midwicket boundary sealed the victory. The moment sparked a joyous sprint by thirteen Indians onto the field, waving flags and celebrating with their heroes. It was a fitting end to a memorable triumph.
The captain's innings became the World Cup's defining moment, coming through with a century when it mattered most. His performance outshone Australia's William Bosisto, who scored a valiant 87 to lift his team from 38 to 4.
Bosisto finished the tournament with a total of 276 runs, remaining not out in five out of six innings. However, he could have exchanged those statistics for a simple victory and the opportunity to have kept Chand's wicket while India required 49 runs from 41 deliveries.
India's wild celebrations at the end released the immense pressure they faced during the chase. Early in the innings, Prashant Chopra's departure and a narrow escape from an LBW decision against Chand added to the tension. At just three runs, Chand was jittery, missing, and edging deliveries. Yet, Baba Aparajith's elegant drives on the off side steadied the ship, allowing Chand to regain his form and eventually steer India to victory.
Chand wasted no time when Gurinder Sandhu came on in the ninth over. He cut a delivery to backward point for four and then lofted a six over long-off. The duo reached a 50-run partnership off 48 balls. Aparajith showcased his skill against short balls, pulling a hook shot to the fine-leg boundary. India had struggled early, at 11 for 1 after four overs, but bounced back to 60-1 by the tenth.
The boys going gaga after the win!
The Chand-Aparajith stand had added 73 when Aparajith fell to a sharp catch by Turner at extra cover, following a beautiful drive for four. Turner struck again quickly, dismissing Hanuma Vihari for four off his own bowling.
Vijay Zol came in but was out for one off 14 balls, leaving India at 97 for 4. They nearly lost Chand in the 19th over, but Peirson missed a tough chance. Smit Patel was also dropped early, and he capitalised, making Australia regret their missed opportunities.
Patel provided the calm Chand needed, with both batters focussing on conserving wickets for the final push. They mixed boundaries with regular singles and twos. With 17 overs left and needing 102 runs, the asking rate hit six an over for the first time.
During the last over of the fielding restrictions, Chand unleashed a colossal six off Turner, possibly the biggest of the tournament at Tony Ireland Stadium, almost sending the ball onto the road beyond the midwicket boundary.
With the equation at 49 off 41, Bosisto dropped Chand's chipped shot to midwicket. Moments later, Chand blasted Gregory over the straight boundary, a crushing blow for Australia. He followed up with another six, his fifth of the innings, this time over cover, to bring up his century. Chand remained resolute, finishing the job and sealing India's victory.
India chased down 225 for 8 with a score of 227 for 4. Chand scored a stunning 111*, and Smit Patel added a solid 62*, leading India to victory by six wickets. Australia fell short despite William Bosisto's unbeaten 87. Bosisto received applause when he was named Player of the Tournament. Yet, Chand truly stole the spotlight, securing both the match and the World Cup for India.
