Pakistan's win: coach “did not believe it could happen”

Pakistan's comeback victory against India in the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup final was so amazing even their coach Mansoor Rana did not think it was possible.

The defending champions won the match after being bowled out for 109 as Anwer Ali Khan, Jamshaid Ahmed and Akhtar Ayb dismantled the Indian batting for just 71.

Mansoor told his players such a result was possible as they prepared to take the field for the Indian innings but he admitted afterwards he did not really believe in what he was saying.

Rana believes Sarfraz (right) has what it takes to lead Pakistan at a higher level © ICC

"All the boys were very dejected (after our innings) and I said to them I had seen wins from such positions and we had a chance," he said.

"I told them the top three India players had got all the runs during the tournament so the law of averages said they were due to fail.

"Then, if we got those three early wickets and got into their middle order under lights with the ball swinging then we could do it.

"But I was only saying it to lift the boys as did not believe it could happen," he added.

It did happen thanks to Anwer (5-35) and Jamshaid (2-24) who reduced India to 9-6 before Akhtar (3-9) finished them off.

And Mansoor admitted the team owed their success to those three players.

"Our batting has not really performed up to expectations and we have not had any star spinners so the whole credit goes to the fast bowlers," he said.

"They have been exceptional and the whole tournament has belonged to them.

"They turned the tables by getting out a side that has scored over 250 in the past two matches and it produced an amazing result because nine times out of 10 I think India would get those 110 runs."

The win means Pakistan join Australia as the only sides to win the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup twice but Pakistan also became the first team to retain the trophy, having won it in Bangladesh two years ago.

"We had that in mind," said Mansoor. "I said to the boys to go out and make history and they have done it.

"Their names will be there for the rest of their lives."

Captain Safaraz Ahmed said: "It was unbelievable bowling.

"I was slightly worried when India came back (after the interval, reaching 62-7 at one stage) but I had confidence in Akhtar Ayub and he responded.

"It is a very healthy and fortunate thing that this has happened under my captaincy and I am very emotional and very sentimental," he said.

Mansoor said the win would some consolation for his fellow countrymen after Sunday also saw India's senior side seal a 4-1 one-day triumph over their Pakistan counterparts with a victory in Karachi.

"This is something very special and a gift to Pakistan after losing the (one-day) series to India," he said.

"I hope it will cheer everyone up."