Self-belief and teamwork were the main factors in India's second Under-19 cricket World Cup triumph, said captain Virat Kohli in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday night, after India beat South Africa by 12 runs in a tense final at the Kinrara Oval.
A pumped up Kohli could not find words to describe the achievement.
"I don't have any words now. I can't say anything. It is absolutely wonderful to win the cup after a long while," said Kohli who led the wild celebrations, pumping his fist in the air after Siddarth Kaul bowled B G Barnes in the last over.
"We had belief in ourselves, played as a unit and we have won. I can't say anything more," Kohli said, during the presentation before accepting the winners' trophy from ICC
president Ray Mali and joining his teammates in wild celebrations in pouring rain.
He made special mention about the South Africans, who gave India a tough fight in the "dream final".
"I think the South Africans were marvellous. They played well. It was a dream final and we came out winners," he added.
The Indian captain gave full credit to his bowlers for restricting South Africa.
"The bowlers did a wonderful job. The fast bowlers and the spinners complemented each other. Our batsmen could not put up a huge score but the bowlers did a fine job to set up the triumph. Full credit to the bowlers for the win," he said.
Asked about the BCCI's reward of Rs 15 lakh each to the players, Kohli said, "It is great news. I wanted to buy a Honda Civic, that will make it easier," Kohli quipped.
The young batsman also said he had wished Sachin Tendulkar for the success of the senior side against Australia in the cricket tri-series finals Down Under.
"We had wished Tendulkar to win the tri-series and he also wished us luck today."
Man-of-the-match Ajitesh Argal said the bowlers stuck to the basics and bowled in the right areas.
"We bowled in the right areas and concentrated in doing that. Batsmen can't always win a game, bowlers too have a role to play," said Argal, who returned figures of 2-7 in five overs.
ndia coach Dav Whatmor said "the boys played consistent cricket throughout the tournament and they were determined to win the trophy".
South Africa captain Wayne Parnell said his team bowled and fielded well but lost due to rain and the Duckworth/Lewis system.
"Obviously, we wanted to win. We bowled and fielded superb, but rain came and we were at the receiving end of the Duckworth/Lewis system.
"India played well. Congratulations to them for the win," he said.
