What is India’s record in ICC Under-19 World Cups?
The ICC Under-19 World Cup is a prestigious international cricket tournament that has been held every two years since 1988. The tournament provides a platform for young cricketers from around the world to showcase their skills and potentially launch their careers. India has been one of the most successful teams in the tournament’s history, with a record that is envied by many other nations. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at India’s record in the ICC Under-19 World Cups.
India’s First Appearance and Early Years
India first participated in the ICC Under-19 World Cup in 1988, which was held in Australia. The team, led by Arjan Kripal Singh, finished sixth in the tournament, winning two out of nine matches. The early years were a learning curve for the Indian team, as they struggled to make an impact in the tournament. However, as the years went by, India began to develop a strong Under-19 team, with many talented young players emerging through the ranks.
First Title in 2000
India’s first ICC Under-19 World Cup title came in 2000, when the team was led by Mohammad Kaif. The tournament was held in Sri Lanka, and India defeated Sri Lanka in the final by six wickets. This victory marked a turning point for Indian cricket, as it showed that the country had a wealth of talent in its youth ranks.
Success Under Virat Kohli
One of the most notable moments in India’s ICC Under-19 World Cup history came in 2008, when the team was led by a young Virat Kohli. Kohli, who is now one of the world’s top batsmen, led the team to victory in the tournament, which was held in Malaysia. India defeated South Africa in the final by 12 runs, with Kohli scoring 19 runs in the match. This victory marked the beginning of a new era for Indian cricket, with Kohli going on to become one of the country’s most successful captains.
Recent Success
In recent years, India has continued to dominate the ICC Under-19 World Cup. The team won the tournament in 2012, 2018, and 2022, with Prithvi Shaw leading the team to victory in 2018. The 2022 tournament was held in the West Indies, and India defeated England in the final by four wickets.
Disappointing Defeat in 2024
However, India’s recent success was interrupted in 2024, when the team was defeated by Australia in the final. The match was held in South Africa, and Australia won by 79 runs, with India struggling to chase down a target of 270 runs.
Upcoming Final Against England
India will have the chance to redeem themselves in the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in [host country]. The team will face England in the final, and it promises to be an exciting match. With a strong squad and a wealth of experience, India will be looking to win their sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup title.
Overall Record
India’s overall record in the ICC Under-19 World Cup is impressive. The team has played 102 matches since 1988, winning 81 and losing 20, with one match ending in no result. This gives India a winning percentage of 80.2%, which is one of the highest in the tournament’s history.
Conclusion
India’s record in the ICC Under-19 World Cup is a testament to the country’s strong cricketing system and its ability to produce talented young players. With a rich history of success in the tournament, India will be looking to continue its dominance in the years to come. The upcoming final against England in the 2026 ICC Under-19 World Cup promises to be an exciting match, and cricket fans around the world will be eagerly watching to see if India can win its sixth title.
News Source: https://www.espncricinfo.com/records/trophy/team-series-results/under-19s-world-cup-109
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