CHENNAI: Hours after lifting the U19 World Cup, India U-19 captain Ayush Mhatre sounded a relieved person. The win was a big statement and that kept India's indomitable U19 record intact with sixth title on Friday. He attributed India's success to team work and reserved special praise for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for his monumental 80-ball 175 knock.
"It was a brilliant show by the team," he told this daily from Harare. "Pleased with the way we played in the tournament. We peaked at the right time and played our best in the final. I would say that teamwork was the reason behind our success," he said.
India's previous wins were in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2022.
"You see, everything fell in place. We started the tournament well and carried forward the momentum into the final. If you look at each and every game, someone or the other contributed. Everyone took the responsibility to contribute for the team. And this attitude helped us throughout the tournament," said Mhatre.
India, after winning the toss and electing to bat, amassed a massive 411 for 9 in their 50 overs, with captain Mhatre contributing with a composed 53. "Vaibhav's innings was simply out of the world. I have not seen anything like this," he said. "It was a brilliant effort. He was brilliant in his timing and his effort helped us bat out the opposition."
Chennai medium pacers RS Ambrish (3/56) and Deepesh Devendran (2/64) took five wickets among themselves to fashion India's creditable win.
"Both Amby and Deepesh bowled brilliantly and complimented each other. As I said earlier everything fell in place. Vaibhav's ton put a lot of pressure on England. But credit to our bowlers for their good show," said Mhatre. "I wish to thank all our coaches for guiding us and encouraging us. Their belief in our abilities helped us to preform to potential."