India U-19 captain Priyam Garg backed his side after their defeat but also acknowledged that it was not their day. He further added that they were required a total of 210-220 to give a tough fight in the 3-wicket U-19 World Cup final against Bangladesh.
India were bundled out within a below-par total of 177 and leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi gave them a tough fight too with a superb spell and reduce them to 102/6 at one point. However, Bangladesh captain Akbar Ali played a composed knock and took his side to the finish line at Senwes Park on Sunday.
“It’s a bad day, but our boys fought really well. Even with such a low total, we made it difficult for them, and I would like to thank my team for that. The biggest factor was the toss because the wicket was a bit damp. We had a good start, and we should have got to at least 210-220. That would have been a much better score,” said Priyam Garg.
However, the bowlers bowled many extras – nearly over 20 wides and no-balls but the captain doesn’t think that brought much difference in the game.
“I don’t think we could have done much differently. For 178, we responded really well, and we lost this because we didn’t bat well enough. That’s about it. We enjoyed the World Cup. We played a series here too, and this was enjoyable too,” added Priyam Garg.
Akbar Ali remained unbeaten on 43 off 77 balls including 4 fours and a six, kept his nerves in the pressure situation and helped his team. Later he said that it was nothing but dream comes a true moment for them.
“It’s a dream come true. It’s all about the hard work we have done over the last two years. The coaching staff…I just cannot thank them enough for how much support they have given us on and off the field. We’ve had a very good experience, and this is just the beginning for us. Hopefully, this will be the stepping stone for us,” said the skipper.
Akbar Ali has received the ‘Player of the Match’ for his unbeaten knock of 43 in the crucial final. He also thanked all the Bangladeshi supporters in his mother tongue.
“Those who have supported us here have been our 12th man here. We really appreciate it,” Ali added.
