Delhi-born cricketer Unmukt Chand is currently absent from the scenes of Indian cricket, but he gave the Men in Blue a proud moment by leading the Under-19 team to victory in the 2012 World Cup. 11 years ago today (August 26), India’s junior team lifted their third U-19 World Cup title with a six-wicket win over Australia in the summit clash at the Tony Ireland Stadium, Townsville.
Captain Chand was the wrecker-in-chief as the right-hander slammed a magnificent ton to steer his side to glory. India won the toss and invited Australia to bat first and a decent batting effort helped them post 225 runs with the loss of eight wickets. William Bosisto played a remarkable innings (87 off 120 balls) to rescue his team after a top-order collapse. Travis Head (36 off 56) and Ashton Turner (43 off 50) also played an impactful cameo to help them reach a competitive total. For India, Sandeep Sharma shone with the ball, taking four wickets in his 10 overs.
Chasing 226, India lost their opening batter Prashant Chopra on duck in the second over. However, skipper Chand led from the front, scoring 111 runs off 130 deliveries with the help of seven boundaries and six maximums. Though the wickets kept falling at the other end, the opener held his nerve and played a scintillating knock. He was well supported by Baba Aparajith (33 off 38) and Smit Patel (62 off 84) in the historic win.
U-19 World Cup win is one of the biggest moments of my life: Chand
However, failing to replicate his success at the senior level, Chand announced his retirement from all forms of the game in August 2021. The right-hander is currently playing for the Los Angeles Knight Riders in Major League Cricket, and the Melbourne Renegades in Australia’s Big Bash League.
Announcing the second innings of his career on social media, Chand recalled the 2012 World Cup victory: “Personally, there have been quite a few glorious moments in my cricketing journey in India. Winning the U-19 World Cup for India is one of the biggest moments of my life.
“It was a special feeling to lift the cup as a captain and bring smiles to so many Indians across the world. I can never forget that feeling. Also, leading India A on numerous occasions and winning various bi-lateral and tri-series, are etched in my memory forever.”
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