U-19 World Cup: "I am very proud of the boys, they all played very well", skipper Saharan after facing defeat against Australia

Uday Saharan

India captain Uday Saharan admitted that his team played a few rash strokes which contributed to their loss to Australia in the final of the U-19 World Cup in Benoni on Sunday. "We played a few rash shots, couldn't spend more time at the crease. We had prepared, but couldn't execute," said Saharan after the 79-run defeat. However, the disappointed skipper remarked, "It was a very good tournament. I am very proud of the boys, they all played very well. They all showed great fighting spirit from the start."

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Australia captain Hugh Weibgen, who scored 48 in his side's total of 253-7, was over the moon and admitted being dazed over the glory. "It's unbelievable. I am so proud of this group of boys and the coaches. A lot of work has gone in over the last few months. [ We had a ] Fair bit of confidence that if we got 250 on the board we'd defend it," he said.

Meanwhile, player of the match Mahli Beardman was delighted that all the hard work had come to fruition for his Australian team: "It's pretty surreal, hasn't fully set in yet. But it's something we've been working towards for a long, long time so the hard work has paid off." On the challenge the Indian team offered, Beardman said: "We knew it was going to be a good battle. l just wanted to use my short balls and hit the top of off. I've been thinking about my bowling, my field settings. Just trying to work on the mental side of the ball."

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