A nail-biting India vs Bangladesh ICC U19 World Cup final turned ugly after players from both sides got involved in a physical altercation after Bangladesh hit the winning runs to claim their maiden U-19 World Cup. The details of the incident are yet to come out, but apparently, it took place when the Bangladesh players and support staff came running onto the field to celebrate their victory. The video of the fight has been circulating on social media.
In the video, one Indian player can be seen confronting and pushing a Bangladeshi player who had allegedly said some uncharitable things. Soon more players could be seen getting involved and the pushing shoving continued for about 40-50 seconds. In the end, India’s U19 coach Paras Mhambrey finally managed to calm the boys and lead them into the dressing room.
Bangladesh U-19 captain Akabar Ali called the incident unfortunate and said that he is sorry.
What happened, it should not [have] happened. I don't know what exactly happened. I didn't ask what was going on. But, you know, in the final, emotion can come out, and sometimes the boys were getting pumped, and emotions were coming through. As a youngster, it shouldn't happen. In any position, in any manner, we have to show the respect to the opponent, we should have respect for the game.”
"Cricket is known for being a gentleman's game. So I'll say, I'll be sorry for my team."
Priyam Garg, the India captain, defended his boys and said that the Bangladeshi players started the fight.
"We were easy. We think it's part and parcel of the game – you win some and you lose some," he said. "But their reaction was dirty. I think it shouldn't have happened. But it's okay."
After being put to bat, India U19 were bowled out for 177. Yashasvi Jaiswal was the top scorer for India with a gritty 88. In reply, Bangladesh U19 captain Akbar remained unbeaten on 43 off 77 balls with Rakibul Hossain (9*) to script history for Bangladesh with a 3-wicket win in the final.
For India, leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi who bowled superbly in the final with figures of 4/30, was the highest wicket-taker (17 wickets) of the tournament. Jaiswal finished the tournament as the highest run-scorer with 400 runs and was adjudged Player of the Tournament.
