Bangladesh won Under-19 Cricket World Cup

In a big victory for Bangladesh cricket, the country’s under-19 squad pulled off an upset against India to win the under-19 Cricket World Cup. India were the defending champions in this format and the most successful team at this level. But the Bangladeshi boys had impressed throughout the tournament this time and showed their mettle in the final against the favorites.

It was a low scoring match where the disciplined Bangla bowlers bundled India out for just 177. And when it was India’s turn to bowl, they gave away far too many extras — 33 to be exact — that cost them dearly. Plus, India’s performance in the field was sub-par with some crucial catches dropped, especially that of Bangla captain Akbar Ali who would eventually go on to steer his side to victory with a steely 43 not out.

The positives for India included the performance of Yashasvi Jaiswal who was brilliant throughout the tournament, scored an 88 in the final and was adjudged the player of the series. Then Ravi Bishnoi too had the Bangla batsmen bamboozled for a while, picking up four wickets. But it would be all in vain.

For Bangladesh, this is their first-ever global cricket title, showing that they have truly arrived. Plus, they also say that sporting success is a good indicator of the development of a country. The under-19 World Cup victory confirms Bangladesh’s economic growth story of recent years and contradicts the narrative of a poor, desperate nation.