The India U-19 team has done pretty well in the ongoing Junior World Cup in New Zealand. They’ve defeated all their opponents on the way to the final and it can be seen by their lowest winning margin of 100 runs. The semi-final against Pakistan was expected to be a severe test but Shubman Gill’s century and Ishan Porel’s 4-fer helped them to a 203-run victory.

With the help of Gill’s century Team India posted the target of 273 runs and while chasing the target, Pakistan was bundled out for just 69. With that, the Prithvi Shaw led team marched into the final and now have a great chance to win the title for the fourth time by defeating the mighty Aussies.

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Former Indian skipper Sourav Ganguly showered praises for Gill for his batting and went on the extent of saying that the No.3 was a better batsman than Prithvi Shaw. His century against Pakistan was his first in Youth ODIs and he finally converted a fifty-plus score into triple digits. His scores in the World Cup thus far read – 63, 90*, 86 and 102*.

As quoted in India Today, Sourav said, “I actually feel Shubman Gill is a better player than Prithvi Shaw. I feel he is the best player on this team. He is a bit like Brian Lara and Kane Williamson. Even Ishan Porel who plays for Bengal created havoc with the new ball. He was injured at the start of the tournament and couldn’t play for a week. It’s great to see him back, get fit and come and bowl so well. They are special these kids.”

He further added, “Shubman Gill, Prithvi Shaw then there is the wicketkeeper Harvik Desai, these guys look much above the rest. It’s also a direction for future that most of these boys will go on and play the top level in a few years time. The difference between India and the rest of the sides has been too much in this tournament.”

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Dada also lauded the two fast bowlers of the team Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti, who have bowled at consistent ace throughout the tournament. He also took the opportunity to pat the spin duo of Anukul Roy and Abhishek Sharma.

Ganguly concluded, “Not just Pakistan, every team has been decimated like this. Look at those two fast bowlers – Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti – bowling at over 140 at the age of 17-18. Anukul Roy of Assam has got a huge future, left-arm spinner Abhishek Sharma is also fantastic.”