August 26 is a memorable day in Indian cricket history. On that day in 2012, at the Tony Ireland Stadium in Townsville, Australia, a young Indian side scripted a memorable chapter by winning the ICC Under-19 World Cup. Skipper Unmukt Chand led from the front with a brilliant unbeaten century as India chased down Australia’s total to claim their third title in the tournament’s history. Australia were the defending champions and had been unbeaten throughout the competition. They were sent in to bat and struggled early as they were reduced to 38 for 4.
Australia captain William Bosisto anchored the innings with an unbeaten 87, helping his team reach 225 for 8. Sandeep Sharma was the pick of the Indian bowlers with four wickets. It was a competitive total on a ground where chasing was a bit difficult. India started the chase with pressure and lost early wickets. They were reduced to 97 for 4 inside 25 overs and the required rate started climbing.
At that point Unmukt Chand, who had a quiet tournament until the final, put a partnership with wicketkeeper-batsman Smit Patel. The pair added an unbroken 130 runs for the fifth wicket. Unmukt Chand finished on an unbeaten 111 off 130 balls with seven fours and six sixes. While Smit Patel contributed with 62 not out as India chased down the target with 14 balls to spare, winning by six wickets.
The victory made him only the third Indian captain to lift the Under-19 World Cup, following Mohammad Kaif in 2000 and Virat Kohli in 2008. It was also India’s third title in the U19 competition. Indian captain Unmukt Chand was named Player of the Match for his innings under pressure. Will Bosisto finished as Player of the Tournament for his outstanding campaign. It remains one of the memorable day in Indian cricket’s history considering they won the U19 World Cup in Australia
