India’s convincing win over USA in U-19 World Cup opener
India’s Under-19 cricket team began its ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 campaign in emphatic fashion with a convincing six-wicket victory over the United States of America at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo on Thursday. The result, achieved under overcast skies and in rain-affected conditions, was built on a disciplined bowling performance and a calm run chase, setting a positive tone for India’s title aspirations.
Bowling Dominance Sets the Tone
After winning the toss, India elected to bowl and immediately put the USA batting lineup under pressure. Right-arm pacer Henil Patel delivered a standout performance, finishing with figures of 5 wickets for 16 runs in seven overs, including a maiden. His rapid breakthroughs reduced the American innings to disarray, frequently striking at crucial junctures.
Patel’s first over yielded an early edge from Amrinder Gill (1), caught at slip, and he followed that up by dismissing USA captain Utkarsh Srivastava for a five-ball duck. He also accounted for wicketkeeper Arjun Mahesh (16), ensuring the USA slipped to 35 for 4, effectively dictating the course of the innings.
Support came from leg-spinner Khilan Patel, who trapped Amogh Arepally (3) in front, and medium-pace bowlers who maintained pressure with disciplined lines. The USA was ultimately dismissed for 107 runs in 35.2 overs, with Nitish Sudini (36 off 52 balls) offering the only noteworthy resistance in a fragile middle order.
Rain Intervention and Revised Target
Rain interrupted proceedings before India began its run chase, leading to a reduction of the target under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. India’s revised objective was set at 96 runs in 37 overs.
When play resumed, India’s top order faced an early wobble. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, playing only his second match at this level, was dismissed for 2 by Ritvik Appidi, and skipper Ayush Mhatre (19) also fell while trying to accelerate the innings. Vedant Trivedi (2) and Vihaan Malhotra (18) were dismissed in quick succession, leaving India in a precarious position at 70 for 4.
Composed Chase Anchored by Kundu
Amid early jitters, Abhigyan Kundu anchored the Indian chase with a measured 42 not out off 41 balls, displaying poise usually expected from more experienced campaigners. Alongside Kanishk Chouhan (10), Kundu guided the visitors home, and India reached the revised target in 17.2 overs, winning by 6 wickets with 118 balls to spare under the DLS calculation.
Kundu’s knock was punctuated with controlled strokeplay, capped emphatically by a six that sealed the victory. His partnership with Chouhan steadied the innings at a crucial juncture, easing pressure from the top order’s early dismissals.
Early Lessons and Outlook
The fixture provided a first competitive test for India in Group B, which also features Bangladesh and New Zealand. While the team’s bowling attack delivered a dominant performance, the early batting setbacks illustrate areas that could be sharpened as the tournament progresses. Nevertheless, the comprehensive nature of the win — both with ball and bat — offers confidence to the Indian contingent and their supporters.
With Henil Patel’s five-wicket haul earning him the Player of the Match honours, India will look to carry momentum into their next group assignment, aiming to remain unbeaten on their path toward the knockout stages of a tournament they have historically taken seriously.
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Last Updated on: Friday, January 16, 2026 12:26 pm by Rishidhar Reddy | Published by: Rishidhar Reddy on Friday, January 16, 2026 12:26 pm | News Categories: News
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