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PICS: Victorious India under-19 get rousing reception
The victorious Indian Under-19 cricket team arrived to a rousing reception in Mumbai on Tuesday from Australia after winning the World Cup in Townsville on Sunday.
- Unmukt Chand leads India to third U-19 World Cup triumph
Triumphant team skipper Unmukt Chand, who slammed a match-winning unbeaten century in the summit clash against Australia, was the first to come out of the Shivaji Chhatrapati International airport terminal, holding aloft the trophy.
Victorious India under-19 get rousing reception
Beside hordes of supporters, spinner Harmeet Singh's relatives and friends were present in big numbers at the airport to greet the team.
The team members will be felicitated by the Board of Control for Cricket In India at a function later in the evening.
Chasing a 226-run victory target, India slumped to 97 for four inside 25 overs before Chand (111 not out) and Smit Patel (62 not out) added 130 runs for the unbroken fifth wicket to romp home with 14 balls to spare.
India won by six wickets to lift the trophy for the third time, after triumphs in 2000 and 2008, under Mohammad Kaif and Virat Kohli respectively.
Victorious India under-19 get rousing reception
"I am very happy. We played well in Australia and won it. It's a proud feeling," Chand said on the team's arrival.
Former Australia captain and television Ian Chappell has waxed eloquence on Chand's qualities as a batsman, by advising the Indian selectors to fast-track his entry to the seniors rank, but the Delhi youngster is willing to take one step at a time.
"(Berth in the) senior team is a long way away. Now there is an India A team (tour to New Zealand) where I have to perform. If I perform well, then let's see," said Chand.
Victorious India under-19 get rousing reception in Mumbai
Chand, who has followed in the footsteps of Kaif and Kohli, by leading the country to the under-19 title, is in the India A squad, led by Abhinav Mukund, which will tour New Zealand next month.
The young batsman was happy with the reception the team received at the airport.
"The reception is quite good. We did not expect it but it felt really special."