Ishant Sharma hails India's performance after U19 World Cup final loss vs Australia: Our team played like champions

Ishant Sharma hails India’s performance after U19 World Cup final loss vs Australia: Our team played like champions

Former India pacer Ishant Sharma has hailed the performance of the Indian team at the Under-19 World Cup, saying they played like champions. Australia beat India by 79 runs to lift their fourth U19 World Cup title in Benoni, South Africa.

Australia ended a 14-year wait for the U19 World Cup title, defeating defending champions India in the final on Sunday, February 11. India failed to chase 254 runs in the final, being bundled for 174 runs, losing the contest by 79 runs.

Following their loss, Ishant took to social media platform ‘X’, saying the Indian U19 team played like champions and the nation is proud of their spirited journey. Uday Saharan missed out on a chance of becoming the sixth Indian captain to lift the Under-19 World Cup.

U19 World Cup Final, IND vs AUS Highlights

“Our U19 team played like champions, and one game doesn’t define the way they played this tournament. It wasn’t our day, but we’re proud of their spirited journey throughout the tournament. Keep your heads up, boys! We’ll come back stronger! #BleedBlue #FutureStars,” Ishant posted on ‘X’.

Former India batter and U19 World Cup winning captain Mohammad Kaif said India’s future stars will learn lessons that will help them in the long journey. Kaif led India to their first-ever U19 World Cup title, winning the competition in 2000.

“At U-19 level team results don’t matter much. Future stars learn lessons that help them in long journey. Well played India. This time have to say Australia good on pitch, and on paper,” Kaif posted on ‘X’.

Meanwhile, former India spinner Pragyan Ojha said their effort has paved the way for an exciting journey for the young stars. Australia, who won their fourth U19 World Cup, is only behind India (5) in terms of U19 World Cup titles won.

“Well fought boys! Your effort has paved the way for an exciting journey. Keep going strong – the rewards will be totally worth it! #INDvsAUSfinal #U19WorldCup,” Ojha posted on ‘X’.

This win marked Australia’s third victory over India in major ICC finals over the last few months, having triumphed in the World Test Championship and the 2023 ODI World Cup last year.

Australia are now the champions of the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup, the World Test Championship, the Women’s T20 World Cup, the Women’s ODI World Cup and now the U19 Men’s World Cup.

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