NEW DELHI: Pacer Henil Patel, who starred in India's six-wicket win over the USA in the U-19 World Cup with a sensational five-wicket haul, says he draws inspiration from South African fast-bowling legend Dale Steyn and his on-field aggression.
Patel showcased his talent by dismantling the American batting line-up, finishing with figures of 5/16 during India's triumph in Bulawayo on Thursday, giving the five-time champions a perfect start to their campaign.
His performance ranks as the third-best by an Indian bowler in the history of the men's U-19 World Cup, behind only Kamal Passi's 6/23 against Zimbabwe in 2012 and Anukul Roy's 5/14 against Papua New Guinea in 2018.
Meet Henil Patel: The teen sensation who ripped apart USA at U-19 World Cup
"What I get from Dale Steyn is that I like his aggression a lot," Patel told ICC Digital in an interview.
"His bowling was so good that there was no batter who could play against him easily because he was so tough to face."
Three of Patel's five victims arrived via a blistering new-ball spell at Queens Sports Club that reduced USA to just 34/4 and the 18-year-old revealed the key to his success when opening the bowling was attacking the stumps.
"I have a mindset to get the batter out within three to four deliveries. It's all about taking early wickets, I go with the same mindset and I stay calm," Patel said.
"I go into training with a proper mindset, I get my body ready and it's the same in a match."
India captain Ayush Mhatre admitted that his side should have won the match against USA without losing too many wickets.
"We stretched out this innings for too long and lost four wickets," Mhatre said.
"We could have done this (run chase) without loss or one wicket down."
