Prithvi Shaw: Goal is to return home with trophy

India has reached the finals of the U-19 World Cup five times in the history of the tournament and have ended up on the winner's podium on three of those occasions. The 2018 U-19 World Cup is scheduled to start from January 13 in New Zealand and India had a good start for the preparations for the mega event. They defeated South Africa by 189 in the warm-up game that was played on January 9 under the able guidance of Rahul Dravid who ended up on a losing side during the last U-19 World Cup final against the West Indies.

"We've been here a week now, played a couple of games. Everything has gone well, the preparation of the team has been good. Our goal is obviously to win the World Cup but at the same time we are looking forward to our first game (against Australia on January 13), and let's see how the process goes." PTI reported Shaw saying.

The ICC U-19 World Cup officially got underway at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch with an impressive ceremony showcasing New Zealand's culture. The ceremony was attended by representatives of all the 16 participating teams, Christchurch Councillor Aaron Keown, as well as New Zealand Cricket President Debbie Hockley, who, on behalf of the ICC and NZC, welcomed the teams to the tournament. 

The seven venues hosting the matches are Hagley Oval, Rangiora Oval, Bert Sutcliffe Oval, Lincoln No. 3, John Davies Oval, Bay Oval and Cobham Oval. The final will be played on February 3 at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui in Tauranga.