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WAPDA captain Salman Butt has questioned Peshawar’s sportsmanship after their fast bowler Taj Wali clinched a three-run win by mankading non-striker Mohammad Irfan

Umar Farooq18-Oct-20170:43

WATCH – Taj Wali Mankads Mohammad Irfan

Law 41.16: Non-striker leaving his/her ground early

If the non-striker is out of his ground from the moment the ball comes into play to the instant when the bowler would normally have been expected to release the ball, the bowler is permitted to attempt to run him/her out. Whether the attempt is successful or not, the ball shall not count as one in the over. If the bowler fails in an attempt to run out the non-striker, the umpire shall call and signal Dead ball as soon as possible

WAPDA needed four runs to win, with more than 78 overs left in the day. Peshawar needed one wicket. Three days of cricket and here we were, the game delicately poised. And then Peshawar fast bowler Taj Wali decided to mankad the non-striker Mohammad Irfan – who had casually taken a step out from the popping crease while the bowler was about to deliver. Following the law, the umpire had no option but to give Irfan out once the bowler appealed – a close finish in this season’s Quaid-e-Azam Trophy made controversial.Ahmed Shahab and Faisal Afridi, the on-field umpires, consulted after the incident, and asked the fielding side if they wanted to rethink their appeal. They didn’t, and Peshawar won by three runs – a rare win for a regional side over a department one, and, in this case, no less than the tournament’s defending champions.WAPDA’s captain Salman Butt questioned the spirit of the act.”What’s the point of this law when the winning team isn’t proud and ashamed instead?” Butt told ESPNcricinfo. “We had a great game, fully competitive throughout four days, which saw both teams’ fortunes fluctuate. And suddenly this mankading spoiled it. Sportsman spirit should have been the top priority but the game didn’t end in a proper way. What’s the point of this law when the opponent team despite winning apologises to us?”Peshawar coach Abdul Rehman said his team did nothing wrong since it was within the laws of the game. “We haven’t done anything illegal. If there is something that is allowed by the law then it is legal. If a team or player does something that is within the laws then you shouldn’t say it is against the spirit of cricket.”According to the ICC playing regulations, mirrored in Pakistan domestic cricket, the dismissal was clearly fair. “The bowler is permitted, before releasing the ball and provided he has not completed his usual delivery swing, to attempt to run out the non-striker. Whether the attempt is successful or not, the ball shall not count as one of the over. If the bowler fails in an attempt to run out the non-striker, the umpire shall call and signal dead ball as soon as possible.”

Erik ten Hag is slowly but surely bolstering his Manchester United squad with his smart recruitment during the summer transfer window.

New arrivals include Andre Onana, Mason Mount, and striker Rasmus Hojlund, while there could well be scope for a few more fresh faces to arrive at Old Trafford, especially with the club playing in the Champions League following a season away from the competition.

This means some added strength in depth is required, and Ten Hag should therefore make a move for AZ Alkmaar winger Jesper Karlsson.

Are Manchester United interested in Jesper Karlsson?

According to Italian news outlet Corriere dello Sport at the beginning of the transfer window (via Sport Witness), United were providing ‘competition’ to Lazio in the pursuit of the Swedish winger.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

Valued at €20m (£17m), the move certainly represents good value considering his contract at the Dutch side still has three years left to run.

Although United have managed to lure Hojlund to Manchester following a long pursuit, Ten Hag will clearly need another one or two forward options ahead of the new season and Karlsson could be an ideal candidate.

How good is Jesper Karlsson?

The 25-year-old is a natural left-winger, yet his adaptability is a big strength as he can operate on the right wing when required.

The only United winger to score more than eight goals last term was Marcus Rashford, who enjoyed a stellar campaign, registering 41 goal contributions in total.

The Swede has netted eight or more league goals across the previous five seasons for AZ and IF Elfsborg, showing great consistency in front of goal from a wide position, and he is also able to generate a plethora of opportunities for his teammates.

Indeed, since 2019, the 25-year-old has registered a stunning 112 goal contributions – 67 goals and 45 assists – and Ten Hag could certainly form a scary wing duo of him and Rashford next season.

Domestically, the duo registered similar statistics across a variety of metrics, including shots on target per 90 (0.96 to 1.5), shot-creating actions per 90 (3.95 to 3.06), successful take-on percentage (41.7% to 39.1%) and carries into the final third (37 to 51), clearly indicating that they both pose a huge danger in front of goal and also in the final third.

Although it remains uncertain just how Ten Hag could line up next season, having a front three of Rashford and Karlsson occupying the wings while Hojlund operates through the middle could cause devastation to Premier League defences.

Journalist Josh Bunting has lauded Karlsson previously, saying: “Jesper Karlsson also impressive for the Swedes he got the assist for the goal. Very tricky winger, quick feet and a constant threat going forward. Constantin Bogdan really struggled to deal with him.”

The AZ gem has already gained 11 caps for his country, scoring three goals in the process, and it’s evident that he is taking to the international scene with ease.

He may not be the star-studded name the Old Trafford faithful want, yet the statistics don’t lie, Karlsson is a clear danger going forward and him and Rashford could use their respective strengths to give United the best chance possible for glory during 2023/24.

Manchester United have reportedly held Old Trafford transfer talks over a potential move for Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.

What’s the latest Man United transfer news?

The Red Devils and Erik ten Hag have been productive in the transfer market so far this summer despite the ongoing takeover saga, with three new faces arriving in Manchester ahead of the new Premier League season.

Mason Mount, Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund have all completed their transfers from Chelsea, Inter Milan and Atalanta respectively, with attention now turning to another midfield addition.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat appears to be the top target, and reports last week even suggested the player’s agents were in the UK to discuss a transfer. United aren’t the only side that want to sign the Morocco international, and should they miss out on his services, it looks as if they have alternative targets, one being another Onana.

The Daily Mail shared a transfer round-up in the last 48 hours and provided an update on Man United’s next possible transfer move.

They said that Amrabat Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo are being targeted, however, the report also adds that talks have been held over moves for Onana and Leeds United’s Tyler Adams, although they have not developed as of yet.

“United need to sell before they make their next transfer move with Fiorentina midfielder Sofyan Amrabat and Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo among their targets.

“United have also held discussions about the merits of Everton's Amadou Onana and Leeds United's Tyler Adams but those talks have not progressed.”

When it comes to players who could leave, the report claims that United are hoping to push through the sales of Donny van de Beek and Fred, whereas Harry Maguire is wanted at West Ham and Eric Bailly has proposals on the table from Saudi Arabia.

Who is Amadou Onana?

Onana appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €45m Transfermarkt valuation and is primarily a holding midfielder. However, the 6ft 5 Belgian can also turn out as a centre-back or central midfielder and has been with Everton for 12 months.

The 21-year-old, dubbed a “one-man army” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, spent time on the books of German side Hoffenheim before signing for Hamburger SV in 2020. After 12 months, Onana was on the move again, this time moving to France with Lille where he spent a further year, making 42 appearances in total.

Everton then landed the midfielder in 2022 in a deal worth €35m, and the player has gone on to turn out on 35 occasions in England, helping the Toffees narrowly avoid relegation last season.

His market value has grown year-on-year, so he appears to be a midfielder who may only improve further in time, and those at Old Trafford may see him as a player with big potential. His versatility would also give Ten Hag cover at centre-back and even further forward in midfield, but by the looks of things, he could be viewed as a potential long-term successor to Casemiro, who will turn 32 next year, making this a deal to potentially keep an eye on.

The PCB has said that its signing off on the new Test and ODI leagues will depend on the BCCI honouring a bilateral commitment signed over three years ago.

Osman Samiuddin and Nagraj Gollapudi23-Oct-2017Pakistan will continue applying pressure on the BCCI and, indirectly, the ICC, in the hopes of securing 24 matches with India in the new international calendar. At the ICC board meeting in Auckland earlier this month, the PCB, along with all Full Members, approved in principle a fresh league structure to be implemented after the 2019 World Cup. But the PCB maintained that its final decision will depend on the BCCI honouring a bilateral commitment signed over three years ago.That is a stance the PCB first revealed last month, and it means not only will the Test and ODI leagues remain tied to Pakistan’s pursuit of India games, but also to their efforts to seek legal redress for two bilateral series against India that never took place. That case came into the spotlight over the weekend, after comments made by former chairman Shaharyar Khan and the leak of the bilateral agreement the two boards signed in April 2014.In Auckland, the Full Members unanimously agreed on a two-year, nine-team Test league as well as a 13-team ODI league. But the real business of what the actual schedule will look like – with details of who plays whom and how often – has not been finalised. Board chief executives have been working on that at scheduling conferences, and will continue to do so at another tentatively scheduled for November. The plan is for a schedule to be completed by January and presented at the next ICC board meeting in February.The PCB is resigned to not playing India in the leagues – that is something the BCCI has insisted upon – but want matches outside the structure, in an eight-month window when sides are free to play whoever they choose.At the joint session in Auckland between board directors and chief executives (in which the plan for the leagues was approved), the PCB said it was happy with the new structure on the provision it contained the 24 international matches Pakistan were guaranteed to host against India, by the terms of a previously signed MoU. Though there was no reaction, the stance was noted.A page from a letter from former BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel to Najam Sethi on the bilateral series between India and Pakistan•ESPNcricinfo LtdThe agreement, and the legal case, has been the subject of renewed scrutiny over the last few days. Over the weekend, speaking to a local TV channel, Shaharyar suggested that the PCB’s case against the BCCI at the ICC’s dispute resolution committee was not especially strong.”To an extent, it is a weakness [in our case],” he said, having been involved in these discussions until he stepped down as chairman in August. “The weakness is that it is written in there that both sides need government permission [before playing each other]. We have our government’s permission. They haven’t got permission yet, so they could say that it is written that until they haven’t got permission they cannot come and play. These are problems but it’s okay to bring them under some pressure as well.”However, Shaharyar went on, almost immediately, to disown those words. In a signed statement distributed to the media on Saturday, he said: “I strongly deny a statement attributed to me in the media in which I am supposed to have said that the PCB’s case against the BCCI is weak. How could I say such a thing when, in fact, as Chairman and with the approval of the PCB’s Board of Governors, I authorised preparation of a case on the advice of PCB’s lawyers and a prominent QC in the UK who agreed that PCB had a strong case against India.”Not long after, the letter that spells out details of the 2014 agreement was leaked on social media. Officials from both boards have confirmed the authenticity of the letter. Printed on plain paper, without a letterhead and dated April 9th, the letter [see pic] is written by Sanjay Patel, the former BCCI secretary, and addressed to Najam Sethi, the current chairman of the PCB who was, at that time, the interim head of the board. It makes no mention of either side needing government approval.The basis of the agreement is well known: six bilateral series between December 2015 and November-December 2022, with the BCCI making “all efforts” for a short, limited-overs-only tour to Pakistan in November 2014 as well. As categorically stated in the letter, the agreement applied only if the Big Three resolutions for the revamp of international cricket were signed off in June that year, which they duly were.But the November 2014 and December 2015 tours did not materialise and are the subject of the PCB’s legal case. The BCCI argued it did not have government permission to play Pakistan. The 24 international matches the PCB want incorporated in the new calendar are the three remaining tours to Pakistan as part of this MoU: nine games in December 2019, 10 in August 2020 and five in November-December 2022.A page from a letter from former BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel to Najam Sethi on the bilateral series between India and Pakistan•ESPNcricinfo LtdThe legal case has not, strictly speaking, yet begun. Though the PCB intends to file the official notice of dispute that will start the process at the ICC’s dispute resolution committee, it has yet to do so. In fact that process has been delayed slightly because there was a change in the Terms of Reference of the committee at the Auckland meeting. Once they do send in the notice, a panel of adjudicators will be constituted, who will then ask the BCCI to reply. The way of these things suggests that any resolution is still some time away, and what impact that may have on the implementation of a new calendar is uncertain.In Auckland, the PCB also asked that a new Future Tours Programme (FTP) Terms and Conditions document be created to govern the administration of the new calendar. Such a document is likely to detail how older FTP commitments fit into a new calendar, which could determine the status of this agreement.The prospect of India-Pakistan games will also come up for discussion at the next scheduling conference. If the PCB recognises the adversarial nature of a legal case works against that, there is also a suggestion it is using the case as a pressure tactic of sorts, to push the BCCI into agreeing to some bilateral contests.The Pakistan board is confident it has a strong case and that, in particular, their 2014 agreement with the BCCI has all the ingredients that would constitute the basis of a legally binding contract in a court of law. Its argument rests on whether the Indian government has explicitly, and in writing, denied the BCCI permission to play against Pakistan.The BCCI seems unperturbed by the public appearance of this agreement and believes it stands on firm ground whenever the time to defend itself comes. “It is a plain piece of paper,” one official said. “Even if you take this as a letter of intent there was never a formal agreement that happened.”The BCCI official reiterated that the Indian board did not have the authority to commit to a bilateral series with Pakistan without permission from their government.

Aston Villa are in negotiations regarding a deal to sign Sevilla defender Marcos Acuna, but a new report has revealed that an offer is yet to have been submitted.

Where is Marcos Acuna from?

Acuna was originally born in Zapala, Argentina, but made the move to Spain when he joined Sevilla from Sporting CP back in 2020, and last season, he was a regular feature of Jose Luis Mendilibar’s first team having started 21 games in La Liga.

Despite still having another two years to run on his contract, the left-back firmly established himself as the overall second best-performing player at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium during the previous campaign with a WhoScored match rating of 6.78 which alerted Unai Emery, but it’s not the first time that he’s been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Read The Latest Aston Villa Transfer News HERE…

Back in December 2022, NSWE were credited with an admiration for the 31-year-old who the boss was reportedly “captivated” by, and whilst a deal failed to come to fruition in January, it sounds like chiefs are in the process of taking a second bite of the cherry if the following updates are to be believed.

Are Aston Villa signing Marcos Acuna?

According to Spanish reports (via Sport Witness), Aston Villa are "interested" in Acuna once again and there have already been "contacts betweeen all parties", supposedly including Sevilla, to discuss a summer swoop.

Monchi, who used to work at his target's club, has approached his old stomping ground, alongside the player's representatives, to present the project, so the defender is "aware" that he could be completing a move to the Midlands.

The Telegraph's John Percy has also since confirmed these claims by stating that the club are indeed working on a deal.

Did Marcos Acuna win the World Cup?

Acuna was indeed a member of Argentina’s squad that won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar which just shows the calibre of player he is, therefore, if Aston Villa successfully manage to get a move wrapped up in the final couple of weeks of the window, it would be a huge coup considering the impact he makes at both ends of the pitch.

The Eleven Talent Group client, who pockets £48k-per-week, last season won 36 out of his 57 tackles which was the highest success rate throughout the whole of his squad, via FBRef, but he was just as much, if not more of a threat when bursting down the flank.

Sevilla’s left-footed gem whipped 147 crosses into the opposition’s penalty area which again was more than any of his fellow teammates, and this attacking mindset saw him provide four assists and score three goals across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

Emery will know that Acuna isn’t getting any younger at 31, but having been dubbed a “star man” by journalist Josh Bunting, he can still positively contribute so much so this is a deal that chiefs need to continue pursuing in order to get it over the line before September 1st.

The former left-handed batsman, who was the first to score a century in the Duleep Trophy, died after a cardiac arrest

Deivarayan Muthu10-Nov-2017AG Milkha Singh, the former India and Tamil Nadu batsman, has died, aged 75, following a cardiac arrest.A left-hander, Milkha made his Test debut for India against Australia in Chennai, just days after his 18th birthday, and played three further Tests before not being considered again for India. He had a more successful domestic career, between 1958-59 and 1968-69, in which he scored 4324 runs, including eight centuries, in 136 innings at an average of 35.44.Milkha was a second-generation cricketer from the AG Singh family, which had moved from Amritsar to Chennai in 1904. Milkha’s father Ram Singh played 56 first-class games, including the first Ranji Trophy match in 1934 in which he claimed 11 wickets against Mysore at the MA Chidambaram Stadium. His elder brother Kripal played 14 Tests, including one with Milkha against England in 1961-62. Satwender Singh, the youngest of the lot, played 60 first-class matches,scoring 2726 runs.AG Milkha Singh•Tamil Nadu Cricket AssociationMilkha started playing cricket at 13 and was the vice-captain of the All-India schools team that toured Sri Lanka in 1955. He went onto make his Ranji Trophy debut for Madras at 17 and struck the first hundred in the Duleep Trophy, hitting 151 for South Zone against North Zone in the inaugural match at Madras in 1961-62. He was also a key member of the State Bank of India side, in the late 60s and early 70s, which also included former India legspinner VV Kumar.”He leaves behind a legacy not only for Tamil Nadu and India but also for State Bank of India – having played from 1964 to 1977,” Kumar told ESPNcricinfo. “There are no second thoughts about his technique, ability, and flamboyant game. Milkha was one of the best left-handers I have seen in India at that time along with Ajit Wadekar. I have bowled to a lot of world-class left-handers, including Garry Sobers, but Milkha was up there.”Milkha and I had been to Colombo, Singapore, and Malaysia with the State Bank side. In fact, back then, the BCCI was contemplating having a State Bank side in Ranji. Ajit Wadekar and Hanumant Singh were also part of that strong side. Milkha contributed a lot to State Bank of India.”What stood out about Milkha was he could play any shot against any type of bowling. He has stood up to the fury of bowlers from West Indies like (Wes) Hall and (Sonny) Ramadhin. Coming to the zonals, the side was always dependent on him. And Milkha was always Tamil Nadu’s No. 3. If he didn’t come in at No. 3, the opposition would be surprised.”

This season’s final will be played from December 29, running into the new year

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Dec-2017Indore’s Holkar Stadium will host the Ranji Trophy final for the second year in a row. Last season, it was the venue of Gujarat’s title-winning bout against Mumbai. This season’s final will be played December 29 onwards.Ranji Trophy knockouts

1st semi-final: Bengal v Delhi in Pune

2nd semi-final: Karnataka v Vidarbha in Kolkata

Final: December 29 onwards in Indore

The two semi-finals will be played from December 17 to 21 with Pune playing host to Bengal and Delhi in a televised game, while Karnataka and Vidarbha will face off at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, with the match being available via a live stream.Defending champions Gujarat were knocked out in the quarter-finals this time by Bengal, who took a first-innings lead in the draw in Jaipur. The other three semi-finalists proceeded with the help of wins in the quarter-finals. Delhi beat Madhya Pradesh by seven wickets in Vijayawada, Vidarbha romped past Kerala by a massive 412 runs and Karnataka handed 41-time champions Mumbai an innings defeat in Nagpur.

Nottingham Forest could be eyeing their fifth summer signing, as latest reports identify a potential target for Steve Cooper to chase before the transfer window closes.

The Welshman guided his team towards their first victory of the 2023/24 calendar in match week two, as a late header from Chris Wood handed the Reds a late victory over Sheffield United at the City Ground.

In what was a convincing performance, the Tricky Trees seem to be getting into their stride after a lengthy break away from the Premier League, however, Cooper’s squad is far from finalised at this point in the summer.

Who could Nottingham Forest sign this summer?

In welcoming Matt Turner, Ola Aina, Anthony Elanga and securing Wood on a permanent basis, Forest have equipped wisely during the transfer window so far, with latest news speculating that more new faces could arrive.

As reported by the Daily Mail, Chelsea starlet Andrey Santos could be an option for the Reds to bolster their squad on a season-long loan, with the report suggesting that Brennan Johnson could go in the opposite direction.

Captured for £18m in January by the Blues from Vasco da Gama, the 19-year-old gem could be sent on loan to gain vital experience at senior level for the 2023/24 campaign.

The midfield signings of Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo have made the Brazilian’s claim to game-time less realistic, making links to Forest a potentially exciting idea to benefit both club and player.

What is Andrey Santos’ playing style?

Deployed as a defensive midfielder, the teenager has been identified by scouting site Scouted Football as being capable of filling ‘every spot of a midfield three’, being described as already being ‘very accomplished’.

At such a young age, the versatile talent has the ability to adhere to all roles in the midfield pivot, showing strengths in the final third as a scorer and creator, as well as being impressive in defence.

The youngster shone at the U20 World Cup when representing Brazil, contributing to three goals in five games, as well as averaging 1.8 key passes and a mammoth 3.8 tackles per game, as per Sofascore.

A pattern regarding his defensive strengths are evident when revising his 2022 Brazilian Serie B campaign via Sofascore, in which he averaged 2.9 tackles per game over 33 appearances, winning 60% of his total duels over an average of 8.4 per game.

Having been lauded as a “one-man war machine” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Santos could be a significant addition to Cooper’s squad, where he could unearth a deadly middle-of-the-park pairing with him and fellow Brazilian Danilo.

The 22-year-old has been praised as an “exciting player” by the Forest boss and has adapted well to the Premier League following his arrival at the City Ground in January.

Now, the Welshman could go one-step further for his midfield revamp and place Santos beside his compatriot, in a move that could complement the strengths and playing styles of both talents.

Danilo could bring an equally creative and defensive presence to the talents of the Chelsea youngster at the City Ground, as suggested by him averaging a similar rate of 2.1 tackles per game in the 2022 Brazilian Serie A prior to his move to England.

Nottingham could be handed its own Brazilian core in the two similarly poised midfielders, in a move that could significantly benefit and strengthen the outlook in the engine room.

West Ham United have made an encouraging start to their Premier League campaign. David Moyes was keen on carrying the momentum through to the 2023/24 season after winning their first major trophy in over 40 years last term and it appears to have worked.

A draw against AFC Bournemouth in their opening game was followed by a stunning 2-1 win over Chelsea, and it was new signing James Ward-Prowse who stole the show with two assists.

With the Irons playing European football for the third successive season, squad depth will be paramount and this could lead Moyes back into the transfer market.

The club have been linked with a swoop with a teenage Spanish sensation, and will the Scot manage to bring him to England before the end of the window?

Will West Ham United make another signing?

The Hammers are interested in making a move for young defender Ivan Fresneda according to Marca Valladolid but they could face competition from fellow Premier League side Crystal Palace who are also battling to sign the youngster.

Read the latest West Ham transfer news HERE…

The 18-year-old could be available for a bargain fee of around €15m (£13m) as Real Valladolid suffered relegation from La Liga last term and this could represent a stunning bargain for Moyes.

Barcelona were also said to be keen on luring the teen to the club, and it would certainly be a major coup for West Ham by signing a player who is clearly in high demand.

How good is Ivan Fresneda?

Moyes could also be set to shift a few players out of the club before the end of the window, with Southampton showing interest in Ben Johnson regarding a potential move.

The defender is entering into the final year of his contract and he started only nine league matches for the club last term, ranking eighth in the squad for tackles per game (1.2) and also finishing outside the top ten for interceptions (0.5) and fifth for successful dribbles per game (0.5), suggesting that even when he did play, he failed to really impress.

By signing Fresneda, Moyes could ditch the English defender, especially given that the 18-year-old would be a major upgrade on him.

Last season in the Spanish top flight, Fresneda averaged 2.2 tackles per game while also making 0.7 interceptions and 0.7 successful dribbles per game, ranking him third, 11th and eighth respectively in the Valladolid squad.

In an attacking sense, the 5 foot 3 dynamo has the advantage as he created more big chances (three to zero) and averaged more key passes per game (0.8 to 0.2) domestically during 2022/23.

The Spaniard was lauded by La Liga podcaster Matt Clark, who claimed that the youngster was “remarkably complete” and also one of the “revelations of the season” for his performances last term and despite his tender years, it appears as though he has the required maturity to perform on a consistent level.

It doesn’t look as though Johnson has much of a future at West Ham and Moyes would surely rather cash in on him now rather than let him leave for nothing next year.

In Fresneda, they wouldn’t just have a direct replacement, but also a major upgrade who could shine in the Premier League.

The opener smashed an unbeaten 101 off 102 balls to steer a chase of 217 and give the side an unprecedented fourth Under-19 World Cup title

The Report by Shashank Kishore in Mount Maunganui03-Feb-2018
India sauntered to a record fourth Under-19 World Cup title in front of a partisan crowd of 4000 odd at Bay Oval, to finish an unbeaten campaign that had begun against Australia at the same venue three weeks ago. The margin of victory then was 100 runs, and it was comprehensive in the grand final as well – eight wickets.To win the tournament, India pulled off their second highest successful chase in U-19 World Cups, after the 226 to beat Australia in Townsville in 2012. Unmukt Chand had led that chase with a sublime century, and on Saturday another Delhi boy, Manjot Kalra, reprised the feat. In the tournament opener against Australia, Kalra had missed his century by 14 runs in an effort to hit out; he was unbeaten on 101 off 102 balls in the final.Kalra, driven by instinct and hand-eye coordination, powered India along with fellow opener Prithvi Shaw, after a short rain delay four overs into the chase. It began with a free-hit which he biffed for six, and the high notes came when he took Jack Edwards for three boundaries in the 11th over. When Will Sutherland got one to move away and bowl Shaw for 29, India were 71 for 1.0:44

Manjot Kalra: Fifth batsman to score a ton in an U-19 World Cup final

Australia’s relief was short lived, as they watched the in-form Shubman Gill – averaging over 100 in Youth ODIs and having made six successive 50-plus scores – play three exquisite cover drives within five minutes of his arrival at the crease. Kalra went on to bring up a 47-ball half-century. The signs were ominous for Australia there on and Kalra finished with a strike rate of nearly 100, having struck eight fours and three sixes. Wicketkeeper-batsman Harvik Desai chipped in with a spunky 47 and it was his sliced four over backward point that triggered manic celebrations in the Indian camp.However, to say India’s win was down to just their batting would not do justice to left-arm spinner Shiva Singh. Despite not having taken a wicket in the tournament, Shiva had kept his spot because of his economy and ability to maintain pressure in the middle overs. In the final, he made a telling contribution – 10-0-36-2.Nathan McSweeney’s dismissal for 23 was particularly significant because Australia were just starting to accelerate going into the last 10 overs of their innings. Looking to nudge the ball on the leg side, McSweeney was deceived in flight and lobbed a simple return catch. In his next over, Shiva removed Will Sutherland with an arm ball that held its line to flick the inside edge to the wicketkeeper. The catch was the start of a turnaround for Desai, who had earlier missed two half-chances off Australia’s openers.ICC/Getty ImagesMax Bryant, who had tallied just 93 runs in five innings coming into the final, looked in sparkling touch until he slapped Ishan Porel’s short ball straight to Abhishek Sharma at cover point to give India an opening. Edwards carried on, hitting Shivam Mavi for back-to-back boundaries in the seventh over to sustain Australia’s aggression. With Australia having raised their fifty in the 10th over and the pitch holding no demons, Edwards and Jason Sangha had an opportunity to press on.That wasn’t to be, as Porel claimed his second wicket when Edwards punched a short delivery straight to Kamlesh Nagarkoti at cover. It should have been 53 for 3 almost immediately, but for Desai’s reprieve of Jonathan Merlo on 0 as he attempted a cut off Shiva in the 11th over. Desai found redemption in the next over , when he dived full length to his right to snaffle Sangha. Australia were in trouble at 59 for 3.Param Uppal, Australia’s top scorer in the domestic Under-19 tournament in the lead-up to the World Cup, brought a sense of calm to proceedings. He exhibited a strong back-foot game against pace and equal adeptness against spin to milk runs through conventional means. Uppal’s confidence rubbed off on Merlo, who wasn’t afraid to experiment. He played reverse-sweeps and delicate paddles and they raised a half-century stand in 11.2 overs.As Merlo grew in confidence, he wasn’t afraid to get across the stumps and sweep left-arm spinner Anukul Roy against the turn. Australia looked to shift gears, but lost Uppal for 34 when he chipped a leading edge back to Roy. The two deliveries leading up the wicket had played their part: Roy had seen Uppal charge down and shortened his length, and then fired the next one full. Off the third, he deceived Uppal in flight as the batsman looked to work the ball against the turn.McSweeney then came in and played some sublime shots, but the pattern of batsmen wasting starts just when Australia looked to take off continued. From 183 for 4, Australia collapsed. losing their last six wickets for 33 runs to leave 16 deliveries unused in their innings.India started their chase aggressively, with Shaw unfurling three exquisite cover drives. Then his trigger movement of having his back foot move towards the leg side worked against him. Gill had the opportunity to move past Alick Athanaze as the leading run-getter in the tournament. His 30-ball 31 was attractive, but he was out charging the offspinner Uppal.By then, India had powered to 131 for 2, and Kalra took charge and led his team to Under-19 World Cup glory.