Ahmedabad, Nov 19 The majority of a packed and partisan crowd arrived at the Narendra Modi Stadium hoping to see the host nation end their decade-long wait for a major ICC trophy win.
Indian skipper Rohit Sharma on Sunday admitted that his side was not good enough, especially as a batting unit, in the World Cup final against Australia here.
The Aussies bowled out India for a below-par 240 on a tricky pitch and then chased it down in 43 overs for a six-wicket win to bag a record sixth 50-over world title.
“The result hasn’t gone our way and we know that we were not good enough on the day. But I am proud of the team. Honestly, 20-30 runs (more) would’ve been good. We didn’t bat well enough,” said Rohit in the post-match presentation.
Rohit said the team was looking to score around 280 when Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were batting. Kohli and Rahul stitched together a rearguard stand for the fourth wicket to steady India after early blows.“I thought when KL and Virat were batting, we were looking at 270-280 at that point but we kept losing wickets,” said Rohit.
The 36-year-old credited the way centurion Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne batted and put up a massive 192 runs for the match-winning fourth-wicket stand for the Aussies.“Australia stitched a big partnership after losing three wickets. With 240 on the board, we wanted early wickets but credit to Travis Head and Marnus. They put us completely out of the game.” Rohit said the surface got better to bat under lights without using it as an excuse for their poor show.
“I thought the wicket got better to bat under lights. I mean we knew it would be under lights, but I don’t want to give that as an excuse.
“But credit to those two guys (Head and Labuschagne) in the middle for stitching that big partnership for the Aussies,” Rohit noted.
On the other hand, Australia bowler Mitchell Starc: “Pat Cummins was phenomenal, I think he’s been phenomenal all tournament with his decision making. At times he’s had to step up with the ball and when it’s been a bit flat, he’s been phenomenal.
“That’s just capped off an unbelievable eight weeks for his team. I have no words.
“Between Pat and all our coaches, it’s been an incredible winter. I don’t think you can write a script to top the winter we’ve had.
“To win a World Cup in India, it’s been a fantastic eight weeks. It’s been tough but gee whizz it has been successful and enjoyable.”
“Not in a million years did I think that would happen [being man of the match today and in the World Test Championship final]. What an amazing day. I’m just thrilled to be a part of it, said Player-of-the-match Travis Head.(Agencies)
