We played rash shots, couldn't execute plans: Uday Saharan
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 in Benoni 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 games, learned a lot. Now we just need to keep learning more and move ahead."
For Australia it was their fourth U-19 World Cup title.