The victorious Indian Under-19 cricket team, led by Ayush Mhatre, returned to Mumbai on Sunday to a rousing reception after clinching a record sixth ICC U-19 World Cup title in Zimbabwe.
Family members, fans and well-wishers gathered in large numbers at the airport to welcome the young champions, who sealed the trophy with a commanding 100-run win over England in the final at Harare on Friday.
India produced a dominant all-round performance in the title clash, posting a mammoth 411 for nine after being put in to bat. Fourteen-year-old opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stole the spotlight with a breathtaking 175 off just 80 balls, while skipper Mhatre contributed a composed 53 off 51 deliveries. The bowlers then restricted England to 311 all out in 40.2 overs to complete a resounding victory.
The triumph extended India’s record as the most successful side in the tournament’s history, with previous titles coming in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018 and 2022. The team also remained unbeaten throughout the competition and defeated arch-rivals Pakistan in the Super Six stage.
Also read: Top-order firepower at core of India’s title defence
Mhatre, Sooryavanshi and wicketkeeper Abhgyam Kundu drew loud cheers as they emerged from the terminal, with Mhatre’s family, including his parents
and close relatives, present to receive him.
“We don’t have words to describe this moment. All the hard work he put in over the years has finally paid off,” said Mhatre’s father, Yogesh Kamlakar Mhatre. His mother said the family would celebrate the achievement after returning home.
The squad, coached by former India all-rounder Hrishikesh Kanitkar, is expected to be felicitated by the BCCI at a later date. According to sources, the players will return to their respective homes for now and regroup when the felicitation ceremony is announced.
Following the triumph, the BCCI announced a cash reward of ₹7.5 crore for the World Cup-winning squad.
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