India U19 skipper Priyam Garg invites Japan team for a group photo; wins hearts

India U19 team led by Priyam Garg continued their winning juggernaut in the ongoing Under-19 World Cup in South Africa on Tuesday. They registered their second win in as many matches defeating Japan by 10 wickets. The boys in blue opted to bowl first and rolled over the opposition for just 41 runs in 22.5 overs thanks to some exceptional bowling.

Ravi Bishnoi and Kartik Tyagi shared the spoils picking four and three wickets respectively even as none of the Japan batsmen could reach the double figures. If not for 12 wides and seven leg byes which India conceded, the conditions could’ve been worse for Japan.

In response, India chased down the target without much fuss in 4.5 overs itself courtesy of an unbeaten 29 off just 18 balls from Yashaswi Jaiswal who is in amazing form with the bat. However, what happened after the match was heartwarming to witness.

Indian players click pictures with Japan players

The India U19 skipper Priyam Garg, after thumping Japan, called the opposition players for a group photo as the cricketers from both the sides were involved in a brief chat. This gesture from the youngsters in Blue jersey has won the hearts as the ‘Spirit of Cricket’ was once again upheld keeping aside the rivalry on the 22 yards.

This is the first time that Japan has qualified for the World Cup and they will definitely learn from this experience. Rather they will understand the standards they will have to match to compete at the highest level. But the way the Indian colts made them comfortable and also clicked selfies with them is admirable.

This is a sign of wonderful sportsmanship and it didn’t go unnoticed as well with the pictures going viral on social media in no time. As far as India’s World Cup campaign is concerned, they have sealed their place in the quarter-finals with two consecutive victories. They will next face New Zealand U19 in their last group match on January 24.