Dehradun T20 League: India Under-19 captain Lakshya Raichandani admitted his side did not put enough runs on the board and fell short of a par score by 20-30 runs after Hamza Zahoor’s unbeaten century from number seven carried Pakistan to a three-wicket win in a Group A match of the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup here on Sunday.
Electing to bat first after winning the toss, India were bowled out for 208 despite a sparkling 107 from Arjun Rajput, after being 42/4 at one point. Pakistan were in deep trouble at 61/5 before Zahoor’s 100 not out off 108 balls took them home with 11 balls to spare.
“Yeah, they weren’t enough. We were 20-30 runs short, but overall there were some good innings from Arjun and a 20 good contribution from KP (Kavya Patel). Yeah, it was a really good innings, and if one would have stayed there with him (Arjun), it could have been a little bit more total,” Raichandani said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
He also felt the bowling could have been a little better as well. “Yeah, definitely. We will try to rectify, and there was a lot of positive from this game. And we will try to take that forward. Yeah, there were some really good efforts, they were 60 for 5. We could have bowled a little bit better. But overall, it was really good,” added Raichandani.
Named Player of the Match, Zahoor said he had made up his mind to stay till the end. “Since I had to go all the way, my mindset was that I would stay till the end and win it. I will go till the last.”
Asked whether he felt the heat when wickets fell late in the chase, Zahoor replied, “No, there wasn’t that much pressure. I was enjoying myself, playing my game and enjoying the game.”
Pakistan skipper Farhan Yousaf hailed his match-winner Zahoor. Second win in this tournament, and I'm very proud of my guys. Early on, we collapsed, a couple of wickets, but that was an amazing innings from Hamza and Hasnain Dar.”
“Yes, exactly, but I'm not surprised about Hamza. I know the ability of the guy. I am not surprised by Hamza's innings today. But I really appreciate the way he assessed the condition and played according to the situation. Yes, we're looking forward for the next match, not the semi-final. We go with full intent in the next match, and then we decide,” he said.
Pakistan skipper Farhan Yousaf hailed his match-winner Zahoor. Second win in this tournament, and I'm very proud of my guys. Early on, we collapsed, a couple of wickets, but that was an amazing innings from Hamza and Hasnain Dar.”
Article Source: IANS
