Potchefstroom (South Africa), India skipper Priyam Garg termed the three-wicket U-19 World Cup final defeat to Bangladesh as “it not being their day”.
India were bowled out for a paltry 177 but had Bangladesh in trouble with leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi bowling a superb spell riddled with googlies to reduce them to 102/6 at one stage. But skipper Akbar Ali’s unbeaten heroic 43 helped them get past the line via D/L method as rain stopped play towards the end.
This is Bangladesh’s maiden World Cup title while defending champions India faced their first loss at this tournament in 12 matches since their defeat against West Indies in the final of the 2016 edition. They have won the U-19 World Cup four times and were chasing a record-extending fifth title.
“It wasn’t our day. The boys put up a great show but the results didn’t go our way,” Garg said at the end of the game. “Very happy with the way we fought, they (bowlers) gave their best. Toss didn’t matter, there was something in the wicket.
“Bangladesh’s bowlers started well. Our batsmen played well too but we hoped to get a few more runs. 215-220 would’ve been a good score,” he opined.
“178 is not good a total.”
Garg lauded his bowlers for responding well despite the low total.
“Our bowlers responded pretty well and Bangladesh batted well. Very pleased with our bowlers. It’s a good experience playing here in South Africa. Prior to the World Cup, we played a series here and that was also good,” he added.
