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ICC U-19 World Cup
The band of boys led by Uday Saharan could not go all the way in the U-19 World Cup but their effort, that took India to their fifth successive final at the marquee age-group event, won hearts and held out promise of a bright future for the Fab-15. Record five-time champions India lost to Australia by 79 runs in the final on Sunday. PTI looks back at the journey of the squad members who made India proud at the tournament. Uday Saharan: ========= Throughout the tournament, the India U-19 captain batted with maturity belying his age. He was the fulcrum of the line-up and pulled India out of pressure situations, especially in the semifinal while providing the launch-pad for big totals on other occasions. It was hardly a surprise that Saharan ended the tournament as the leading scorer with 397 runs and has a bright future ahead of him. While growing up, Saharan moved to Punjab from Ganganagar in Rajasthan to pursue his cricket career. Sachin Dhas: ======== The boy from Beed in Mah
India skipper Uday Saharan admitted that his batters faltered in their execution and paid the price for playing rash shots in a heartbreaking 79-run loss to Australia in the U-19 World Cup final here on Sunday. Set 254 to win, India cut a sorry figure with the bat as they were all out for 174 in 43.5 overs. Opener Adarsh Singh (47) and number 8 Murugan Abhishek (42) were the only Indian batters who showed the stomach to fight as the title slipped out of their hands. "We played a few rash shots, couldn't spend more time at the crease. We had prepared, but couldn't execute," said Saharan during the post-match presentation. While India faltered in the final step, skipper Saharan praised the team for their impressive run in the tournament. "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, very proud of them," he said. "We got to learn a lot from the start to now. From the coaching staff to the
India U19 player Naman Tiwari wants to bowl the fastest ball in the world by drawing inspiration watching videos of former greats and following the advice of pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah. Left-arm pacer Naman, 18, who is grabbing headlines in the ongoing U19 World Cup here, has found the tips he received from Bumrah at the NCA working magic, and is now looking forward to the title clash against Australia on Sunday. Lucknow boy Naman has troubled rival batters with his yorkers and speed, grabbing 10 wickets so far, with a four-wicket haul against Ireland. "Bumrah is a source of inspiration for us. I watch his bowling videos a lot. I have met him several times at NCA and talked to him a lot about the mentality and skills of a bowler," Naman told PTI Bhasha on the sidelines of a practice session at Willowmoore Park Stadium here. "He has explained a lot (of things to me), which is useful. He told me how to bowl accurate yorkers, and I have worked a lot (on that aspect) following his .
The camaraderie in the dressing room has played a significant role in Indian team's dominant run in the U19 World Cup, skipper Uday Sharan said on Thursday and vowed to bring the trophy back home. Defending champions India have not lost a single match in the tournament. They have logged big-margin victories and were not tested till they bumped into hosts South Africa in the semifinals in which they scored a narrow two-wicket win. India have been a force to reckon with in the Under-19 World Cup, reaching the title clash seven times in last nine editions. "It is a dream for all of us to win this tournament. Everyone gets only one Under-19 World Cup and we want to repeat the history. We also want to register our names in history. We are focused on giving our best," Saharan told PTI-Bhasha in an interview. "I would like to tell the countrymen to continue supporting us like this. We promise to give everything to bring the Cup back." India's power-packed performance in the tournament wa
India captain Uday Saharan said on Tuesday that emerging winners through a close match against South Africa in the semifinals will benefit his team to a good extent in the ICC U19 World Cup title clash on Sunday. India, who had a smooth sailing in the tournament until now, had to fight till the end to defeat South Africa by two wickets in the last-four clash to set up a final match either against Pakistan or Australia on Sunday. "It is a great feeling to reach the final. We got a taste of close games, and that will be good in the final. We don't let the morale get low in the dressing room at all -- our environment and coaches are superb," Saharan, who was later adjudged man of the match, told the host broadcaster. Saharan (81) and Sachin Dhas (96) shared a brilliant 171-run alliance for the fifth wicket to rescue India from a precarious 32 for four while chasing 245. The elegant right-hander said they were not under pressure at any point. "Yes, we were well behind at one point. Bu