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India Under-19 captain Unmukt Chand, who was instrumental in India ’s World Cup triumph, sparked frenzied celebrations in his family here on Sunday. His family members rejoiced, as Chand went about constructing a fine century to ensure Indian colts lift the World Cup for the third time. Chand’s father, Bharat Thakur, said he was determined to win the trophy and worked towards fulfilling his goals from the very beginning. “He did what he had promised. He always had faith and he has fulfilled his promise with which he had gone to Australia . His status on his mobile phone is 'ICC Under 19 -Nothing else matters and I can feel that cup on my hand'. This is his status for the last three days. He had complete faith in himself as well as his team. The Almighty has been very kind and helpful,” Thakur told mediapersons here. Smit Patel, who remained unbeaten on 62 and added 130 runs for the unbroken fifth wicket with Chand, elicited joyous scenes in Ahmedabad. Patel's sister, Jinal, was thrilled that her brother was part of the winning team. “The match was very interesting. It was fun to watch, Unmukt and Smit fought till the end. Both of them had a great partnership. I am very happy that we have won the World Cup after four years. I am very happy,” she said. Relatives and friends of the Chennai-based Baba Aparajith celebrated with their neighbourhood, and distributed chocolates to everyone who visited their house. Chand, adjudged man of the match, became the third Indian captain to lift the trophy, joining Mohammad Kaif (2000) and Virat Kohli (2008). Soon after the victory, Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced a cash reward of Rs.20 lakh for each player and Rs. 15 lakh for support staff members.

India celebrates U-19 World Cup victory