Wagah (Amritsar), Nov 07: The triumphant Indian under-19 cricket team returned home from Pakistan by crossing the Wagah Border this morning. The Indian colts registered a historic victory in the four-nation Asia Cup Tournament defeating Sri Lanka by eight wickets in the final at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore yesterday.

The 17-member Indian squad was brought to the other side of the joint check post in a Pakistan bus till the international border. The players then crossed over to India by foot from the zero line.

They later left for Delhi in a bus after completing immigration and other formalities.

The Indian team was to return home by flight via Dubai but changed its mind and requested the Pakistan authorities to allow it to cross through the Wagah Border.
Coach Robin Singh told reporters the victory in Pakistan was a morale booster and the team was now eyeing to win the junior world cup next year.

All praise for man-of-the-series Irfan Pathan, Robin Singh said the young speedster's performance was the highlight of India's show in the tournament.

Pathan picked a record nine-wicket haul against Bangladesh and also did a commendable job in the final, grabbing three wickets for 33 runs.

Asked if he would recommend Pathan's name to national selectors, the coach said, "the bowler does not need any recommendation. His performance will speak for him".

Robin Singh was also appreciative of the efforts by other members of the Indian squad saying all of them had the potential to fill gaps in the senior side in future.

Team manager Amitabh Chaudhary said the team was received well in Pakistan and did not face any problem. An elated Pathan said he was hopeful of making the national grade and "looking to play for a long time".

On his nine-wicket show, Pathan said "it just happened... The pitch helped me and I also got some movement".

This was the first official visit to Pakistan by an Indian cricket team at any level since 1998 when a junior side had toured the neighbouring country. Bureau Report