Sachin Tendulkar felicitates U19 T20 World Cup champions at Narendra Modi Stadium; WATCH

Bharat Ratna and former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar on Wednesday felicitated the Indian U-19 girls for winning the ICC Women's U-19 T20 World Cup in South Africa. The Indian women's side led by experienced Shafali Verma defeated England in the final of the World Cup held on Sunday. After India won the coveted trophy, the BCCI announced that the team will be honoured by Tendulkar ahead of the third T20I between India and New Zealand at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium. 

"By winning this World Cup, you have given a dream to young girls in India, to represent the country. The beginning of the WPL is going to be the biggest thing. I believe in equality for men and women, and not just in sports. There should be equal opportunity," Tendulkar said at the ceremony. 

The BCCI also announced a cash prize of Rs. 5 crores for the entire team and support staff. BCCI Secretary Jay Shah took to his official Twitter handle on Sunday to announce the decision, where he invited the world champions to watch the third T20I between India and New Zealand at Narendra Modi Stadium.

India vs England, Women's U-19 T20 World Cup final

As far as the final is concerned, India won the toss and elected to field first at Senwes Park in South Africa. Batting first, England suffered a humiliating collapse as they got bowled out for just 68 runs. Ryana MacDonald-Gay was their highest scorer as she put on 19 off 24 balls. The rest of the England batters contributed 11 or fewer runs to the total. Titas Sadhu, Archana Devi, and Parshavi Chopra picked two wickets each to help India restrict England to a cheap total.

Soumya Tiwari and Gongadi Trisha then forged a crucial partnership to win the maiden ICC World Cup for the country in the women's category. The duo scored 48 runs between them to secure the trophy for India. India won the match by 7 wickets with 36 balls remaining. Sadhu was named the player of the match for her outstanding bowling effort which saw her pick two wickets for just six runs. 

Image: BCCI