Al Amerat (Oman): After guiding India to a remarkable one-wicket win over Pakistan in the U19 Asia Cup final, Mohit Ulva said he always had the belief in himself to successfully complete the tough chase.
When Mohit, batter No. 10, joined No. 8 batter Manal Chauhan, India were tottering at 252 for eight in the hunt for 338.
But the ninth-wicket pair added 57 runs to take India closer to the target before Manal departed.
Mohit, however, milked another 30 runs for the last wicket with C Venkata, who was playing his first match of the tournament, as India celebrated a famous win.
“I had belief in God in the last over. I believe myself to be an all-rounder. This tournament had not gone well for me but I believed that I would be able to deliver today,” Mohit said in the post-match presentation.
Mohit sealed India’s win, hitting a four off the last ball when the team required three runs.
“I knew it was my day and I would take my team over the line. Number 10 has been a very lucky number for me as all my runs have come from here,” he added.
Mohit was later adjudged player of the match, and the young batter thanked his partner Manal for giving him company.
“I needed Manal’s support, which he provided. We had faith in our batting that we could chase this down.
“This was a flat wicket and we were telling ourselves that if they (Pakistan) can score this many, then we can too,” he said.
Manal said he was trying to get at least one boundary per over.
“I want to thank the support staff for trusting me with the role of the finisher. I was told to enjoy it there.
“I was breaking down the target and was looking for a boundary in each over because I knew I would be able to take my team close. I had tears in my eyes after I got out,” he said.
Aaryavir Sehwag, who made a vital 58 up the order, had copped a blow on his elbow, but the opener said the team’s victory had eased his pain.
“I don’t feel any pain in my hand anymore. I cannot believe what I have just witnessed. I still have goosebumps. Emotions are very high whenever it is India-Pakistan.
“As I had gotten out in the last match against them, I wanted to score today regardless of copping a blow on my arm. It was hurting, but I knew if I stayed in the middle, it would keep pressure on Pakistan,” he said.
Sehwag grabbed the player of the tournament award.
India skipper Lakshya Raichandani lauded the grit of the late-order batters.
“We believed in ourselves to chase this target down. It was a rollercoaster ride. We had the belief that we would be able to chase it down as the wicket was very good for batting.
“I always believed in the batting strength of our lower order. We were playing with almost 11 batters. I thank the fans for their support and request them to keep supporting us,” he said.